WILKINS, Alice (Foxen) 1932-2017

WILKINS, FOXEN, MCCANN, HEMANN

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 5/9/2017 at 15:01:51

NORA SPRINGS, IOWA - Alice Wilkins, 84, of Nora Springs, entered into the arms of her loving Jesus, May 6, 2017. She was surrounded by the love of her family. Her memory will be cherished forever.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 10, 2017, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 North Adams, Mason City, with Rev. Neil Manternach officiating.

Burial will be in Park Cemetery, Nora Springs, following the service.

Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St. NE, Mason City, with a scriptural wake at 6:30.

Alice was born September 2, 1932, to John and Mary Luella (McCann) Foxen in rural Osage. She graduated high school in 1950 and then attended college in Mason City. She met Alva Wilkins and entered into marriage January 10, 1953. To this union were born nine children.

Alice was widowed at the age of 46 and thus began her family legacy. Knowing she had to provide for her family of young children, she entered NIACC and obtained her degree. She returned to the workforce in 1980 at Banker's Life which later became Principal Financial Group. She remained there until her retirement in 1997.

After retirement, Alice decided to live out God's teachings by using her time, talent and treasure to help others. Alice volunteered at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa where she was recognized for over 1000 hours of service. She also volunteered at Community Kitchen and Newman Catholic Schools.

Alice knew that building relationships would be the corner stone to her life. She began with building her relationship with God. She was very faithful and was known for saying three rosaries a day for the past 20 years. Her greatest joys were found in spending time with her family. As her family grew over the years, so did her love for each new member.

Alice's memory is lovingly cherished by her children: Carolyn Ferch, Nora Springs, Alice (Tim) Kaasa, Nora Springs, Connie (Paul) Yerkes, Greene, Alan (Dodie) Wilkins, Nora Springs, Brian (Denise) Wilkins, Mason City, Larry Wilkins, Mason City, Sharon (Todd) Hauser, Clear Lake, Ron (Kris) Wilkins, Nora Springs. Her Grandchildren are Mike (Jamie) Ferch, Mason City, Dallas (special friend, Lisa Kuhl) Ferch, Mason City, Matt (Heather) Kaasa, Cleveland, Minn., Brooke (Steve) Bailey, Mason City, Samantha Yerkes, Denver, Rachel (William) Symonds, Mason City, Casey Yerkes, Cedar Rapids, Carter Yerkes, Des Moines, Shawn Wilkins, Mason City, Nicole (Stewart) Frascht, Mason City, Ashley (Adam) Kingery, Mason City, TJ Hauser, Clear Lake, Taylor Hauser, Clear Lake, Brandon (Jesse) Wilkins, Rockford. Her sisters, Mary Lucina Eden, Titonka, Mary Coleman, Kansas City, Kansas, and 9 great-grandchildren and one on the way, two sisters-in-law, Mary Jane Foxen, New Haven and Agnes Foxen, Waverly.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her son James; four brothers: Robert, Francis, Leo, and Don; and one sister Delores Hemann.

Her family legacy is Love of God, joy of hard work and perseverance. We all miss her immensely!!

Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St. NE, Mason City. 641-423-2372. ColonialChapels.com.

Source: Mason City Globe Gazette, 9 MAY 2017