Barbara J. Wilkens, 85, of Ft. Madison, IA, passed away on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 11:35 PM at the University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics.
She was born on September 7, 1939 in Carthage, IL to Maurice and Dorothy Toben Phillips. On December 10, 1967 she married Leonard Bryant in Carthage, IL and he passed away on November 10, 1989. She then married Charles “Chuck” Wilkens on July 11, 1992 in Ft. Madison, IA and he passed away on May 14, 2024. Barb was a nurse at several different places and lastly Iowa State Penitentiary where she retired from. She was a member of Holy Family Parish, Kings Daughters and Eastern Star. Barb was an avid volunteer at Camp Lookout and also delivered Meals on Wheels. She also enjoyed riding bikes, her flowers and going to the river.
Survivors include four sons, George (Leasa) Bryant of Nashville, TN; Tom Bryant of Keokuk, Kelly (Joanne) Bryant of Revere, MO and Troy Bryant of Bellevue, WA; three step sons, Jeff (Ginger) Wilkens, Mike Wilkens and Tom (Cathy) Wilkens all of Ft. Madison; eight grandchildren, Thomas Ross Bryant, Nicholas (Christina) Bryant, Andrew (Kaci) Bryant, Reyna Wilkens, Lane (Courtney) Wilkens, Jordan (Jenny) Wilkens, Cameron (Nick) Kindig and Nicole (Braxton) Boyer; fifteen great grandchildren; one sister, Bonnie Smith of Stiles, IA; two brothers, David Phillips of Canton, MO and Richard Phillips of Denver, CO; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and both husbands.
The family will meet with friends from 9 AM until 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. The funeral mass will follow at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Church with Reverend Gary Beckman officiating. The burial will be in Sandusky Cemetery at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
A memorial has been established for Camp Lookout or the Ft. Madison Food Pantry and online condolences may be left at www.kinglynk.com.
