Carol Jean Wilkening

After a long and full life, Carol Jean Wilkening of Gurnee, IL died on July 17, 2026. Carol was born with a special birthdate of 3/3/33, to Edwin and Aurelia Neitzel. She grew up in Milwaukee, WI with her brothers and sisters: Gerhardt, Edwin, Regina, Lorraine, and Nancy. Carol married Richard Wilkening and together they raised six children (“my six-pack” as she liked to say.) Her children and their spouses will always remember Carol with love and gratitude. They are: Kay Anderson, Beth Wilkening & Bob Wicker, Jean & Dan Kieda, Ann & James VanOosten, Steven & Julie Wilkening, and Gail & Sai Padmanabhan. Carol’s family grew to welcome 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

In her younger years, Carol worked as a teacher’s aide and enjoyed camping and gardening. Carol was very creative and skilled at embroidery, crocheting, and quilting. She sewed many beautiful quilts which she gifted or donated. She was also a good cook - we especially enjoyed her tea cookies, blueberry coffee cake, and rhubarb kuchen.

Carol had a strong faith in God. She was a thoughtful and generous person who loved her family and lived simply. She enjoyed her friends, pets, flowers, holidays, jigsaw puzzles, walks, mystery novels, Jeopardy, and a good Friday fish fry. Carol loved to hear all about all her family’s adventures.

A great way to honor Carol would be to do something that is both kind and caring, without any acclaim or need for public recognition.

Carol’s family wants to thank all of the medical professionals who have provided excellent care for her over the years. Most especially, we recognize Nickole Dooley, DO, and Carol’s home health care nurse, Miguel Segovia, who saw her faithfully 3 times a week, for the past 3+ years.

The celebration of Carol’s life will be held on Saturday, July, 25, 2026 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 824 N. Lewis Ave., Waukegan, IL 60085. Visitation and brunch will be held from 8:30-10 am and the service will begin at 10am. Interment will be private.

Suggested attire is casual - no suits or fancy dresses. Please do not wear all black. Remember, Carol loved all the colors!