Marlin Harold Wilken

Marlin Harold Wilken, 86, of Clifton, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2017, at his home. Marlin was born on July 1, 1931, in Ashkum, son of Henry and Sena Behrends Wilken. He married his beloved wife, Donnalee Baumgart on April 20, 1952, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Humphrey, Neb. They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Marlin was the loving father of Gene (Pat) Wilken of Springfield, Joan Bisterfeldt of St. Charles, Joyce (Mike) Strubhar of McLean, Lynn (Pam) Wilken of Ashkum, and Randy (Libby) Wilken of Chebanse. Marlin has 14 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Elvin Wilken; one sister, Leona Krueger; and one son-inlaw, Rick Bisterfeldt. Mr. Wilken was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Danforth. He was baptized on Oct. 4, 1931, and confirmed on March 25, 1945. He attended school in the Ashkum area. Marlin was a long-time farmer and local businessman. Marlin was the founder of MWS Seeds, which is now known as ProHarvest Seeds, and with his guidance, the Wilken Family was honored as the Kankakee Daily Journal Farm Family of the Year in 2006. He served as a Commissioner for the Ashkum/Danforth Drainage District and was a charter member of the Board of Directors for the Central Bank of Ashkum. A strong supporter of the community and agriculture, he was very giving of his time and efforts to those who gave so much to him. Marlin served on St. John’s Lutheran Church Council, volunteered as a 4-H leader for the Ashkum Chargers, and served as an officer and director of the Iroquois County Fair Board for 41 years. He served as the Chairman of the 4-H Livestock Sale for many years. He was recognized for his many years of service to 4-H as the recipient of the 4-H Alumni of the Year Award in 1981. A quiet and humble man, his actions spoke much louder than his words. Visitation was from 3-8 p.m. at Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton on Thursday, July 20, and from 10-11 a.m. on Friday, July 21, and the funeral was at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Danforth. Rev. Duane Marburger will officiate. Burial was in the Danforth Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the Iroquois County 4-H Fair, St. John’s Lutheran Church at Danforth, or Hospice of Kankakee Valley. Please share a memory of Marlin at knappfuneralhomes.com.