HEATHER and ELIZABETH WILKINS 1979 & 1981-- 2001

WILKINS, GRINNA

Posted By: Mary Durr (email)
Date: 5/10/2007 at 08:02:20

Heather Nicole Wilkins and Elizabeth Ann Wilkins

SISTERS KILLED IN COLLISION NEAR CALMAR

A deviating collision Friday resulted in death of sisters Elizabeth and Heather Wilkins of Waukon.

According to an accident report filed by the Iowa State Patrol, the accident occurred Feb. 16 at 12:25 p.m. along Hwy. 52 headed north from Calmar. The Wilkins were traveling north-bound along the highway when the driver, Elizabeth lost control of her vehicle and crossed into the southbound lane in the path of oncoming traffic.

The Wilkins' vehicle, an '86 Pontiac, was struck in the passenger side by a '92 Ford Explorer carrying three occupants, the youngest of whom was one year old. The vehicles collided, and the Wilkins' vehicle traveled into the west ditch; the second vehicle came to rest along the west shoulder.

Elizabeth, age 19, and Heather, age 21, were transported to Decorah Hospital where they were pronounced dead. Also injured were the occupants of the oncoming vehicle: driver Sue Hermanson, age 35, Richard Hermanson, 33, and Torrian Hermanson, age one, all of Decorah. Sue and Torrian were treated and released. Richard was admitted to Decorah Hospital, but has since been discharged.

Assisting at the scene were the Iowa State Patrol, Decorah Ambulance, Calmar Police Department, Calmar Fire Department and Winneshiek County Sheriff's office.

Funeral Services for Heather Wilkins, age 21 and her sister, Elizabeth Wilkins, age 19, both of Waukon, who died Fri., Feb. 16, 2001, as a result of a motor vehicle accident near Calmar were held at 11 am., Tues., Feb. 20, 2001 at Decorah Lutheran Church in Decorah. Rev. James Glesne and Rev. Brian Robertson officiated. Interment was in Decorah Lutheran Cemetery.

The sisters were students at Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar; they were traveling to Decorah following classes. Following their deaths, both girls wished to serve as organ and bone donors for the benefit of others.

Both Heather and Elizabeth are survived by their parents, Dennis and Mimi Wilkins of Waukon; one brother, Christopher Wilkins of Waukon; grandparents, Marlin Grinna and Eldean and Janet Wilkins, all of Decorah; great-grandparent, Wilbur Wilkins of New Albin; several aunts, uncles, great-aunts and uncles, as well as numerous cousins and friends. Also surviving is Elizabeth's special friend, Blair Cahoon of Waukon.

The sisters were preceded in death by their grandmother, Vivian Grinna.

Casketbearers were Scott Grinna, Jim Lillibridge, Scott Hotvedt, Brian Hotvedt, Dana Hotvedt, Shawn O'Neill, Steve Klemme, Russell Wicks, Darin Bohr, Dave Rosburg, Ryan Rosburg, and Darren Peterson.

French and Balik Funeral Home of Decorah assisted the family.

HEATHER WILKINS
Heather Nicole Wilkins was born April 13, 1979, in Decorah, the daughter of Dennis and Mimi (Grinna) Wilkins.

Heather graduated from Waukon High School in 1997. She attended Northeast Iowa Community College, graduating early with a certified nurses aid degree. She worked as a CNA at the Barthell Eastern Star Nursing Home in Decorah. She then took care of her Grandma and Grandpa Grinna for one and a half years. She was enrolled in Social services classes at NICC.

Heather enjoyed Karaoke, tubing the Upper Iowa River, dancing, collecting angels, and was very devoted to older people. Her best friend was her sister, Elizabeth.

ELIZABETH WILKINS
Elizabeth Ann Wilkins was born Dec. 27, 1981, in Decorah, also the daughter of Dennis and Mimi (Grinna) Wilkins. Elizabeth graduated from Waukon High School in 2000. She started NICC this past fall, enrolling in general education courses. She had aspirations of becoming a teacher.

Elizabeth enjoyed Karaoke, dancing, stock car racing, and helping her brother, Chris, on his pit crew. Elizabeth loved her animals, "Smokey" and "Pugs". She also enjoyed taking care of the elderly.

Postville Herald-Leader newspaper clipping from my mother's obituary collection. Submitter has no further information.