Dr. Lonny L. Wilken

Lon was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on September 19, 1951, to Roland and Elizabeth Wilken. Lon was the last of three boys, and everyone would agree, he was the favorite. Lon went on to run away from kindergarten through a classroom window, wear jeans so tight his mother recounted the story of having to help remove them until her death and even attend a Jimi Hendrix concert. Lon graduated from Bettendorf High School in 1969 and went on to graduate from St. Ambrose University in 1973 and Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1979.

Lon practiced chiropractic in Bettendorf, Iowa, providing relief to countless local individuals, including his wife, Julie, until his retirement in March of 2020.

Lon was united in marriage to Leslie George on August 3, 1973, and remained married until her death in 1995. Lon and Leslie welcomed their first daughter, Kelsey, on February 7, 1975, followed, much to Kelsey’s chagrin, by their second daughter, Kari, on September 21st, 1977.

Lon was an avid golfer, spending some of his best Wednesday afternoons golfing with his best friends Roy and Cecil and many other Wednesday afternoons sharing Ruffles and Anderson Erickson party dip with his grandson, Austin and popcorn with his granddaughter, Kayla. Lon will be remembered for never one time telling one of his grandchildren no.

Lon was united in marriage to Julie Lyon on July 1, 1998. Out of this marriage, he gained one more daughter, Kristina.

Lon and his wife, Julie, enjoyed many glasses of wine and enjoyed their many trips to wine country. Lon and Julie spent countless evenings staying up far too late watching their favorite shows and it is unclear after all this time if Julie will learn how to work the television.

Lon was the grandfather to four grandchildren: Austin, Kayla, Piper and Harlow and two great grandchildren: Loralye and Hendrix.

In retirement, Lon obtained his honorary juris doctorate from watching countless hours of daytime court television.

Lon was preceded in death by his father, Roland Wilken, mother, Elizabeth Wilken and wife, Leslie Wilken.

Lon is survived by his wife, Julie, his daughters: Kari (Megan), Kelsey (Bob), Kristina (Miguel), brothers: Barry (Judie), Roland (Jan), grandchildren and great grandchildren: Austin (Vanessa), Kayla, Piper, Harlow, Loralye and Hendrix.

A celebration of life will be held at the German American Heritage Museum on July 18, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.