Wilkens, David Charles 1945-2011

WILKENS, FOLKEDAHL, TREBILCOOK, ARNESS, ROLFS, SLABACH, NICKEL, PRENTICE

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 5/20/2021 at 18:57:05

David Charles Wilkens
1945 - 2011
West Des Moines

David Charles Wilkens, 66, passed away at his home on December 26, 2011, after a seven year battle with prostate cancer. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, January 2, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Windsor Heights Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held at the church prior to the Celebration from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Interment will be at a later date in Lorraine, KS.

Dave was born on August 5, 1945, in Great Bend, Kansas. He lived in Lorraine, Hutchinson and Wichita, Kansas and St. Paul, Minnesota before moving to Des Moines. He attended Wichita State University. During his career, he was in the optical and insurance businesses and retired from commercial real estate in 2009. Dave was very civic minded. He served as president for three years of the first Clive Chamber of Commerce. He was on the Polk County Board of Directors for 18 years serving as president for eight. Dave was Clive Citizen of the Year in 1988 and was a charter member of the West Des Moines Elks Lodge No. 2752.

Dave loved to tell that he and his wife, Ione (Folkedahl), of 42 years, met on a blind date and ten months later, eloped - true love. They would go on to enjoy a love of travel having visited 43 countries together. Dave's favorite destination was Mexico with its food, beaches, customs and sunsets, but mostly because of the wonderful people. He especially enjoyed playing Santa Claus all over the world, whether to disadvantaged children, forgotten elderly, critically ill kids or teens in trouble. He often said that if Santa ruled the world, there would be no wars. One of Dave's attributes was his wonderful sense of humor. He was always ready with a joke or story suitable for any occasion. Even in the hospital, he would muster up medical jokes.

Dave cherished growing up on the family farm in Lorraine, Kansas and valued the lessons of life learned there. He was a Hawk fan - during good times and bad. He enjoyed watching animals in their natural environment, including the sea life while snorkeling in Mexico, the unique animals, like the Blue Footed Boobie, of the Galapagos Islands, Kuala Bears in Australia and even the many deer dining on the hostas in his backyard.

During his illness, he appreciated all of the kindness and support from family and friends. He was grateful for the excellent care provided by Dr. Angel, Dr. Hiatt, Dr. Deming, their Staff, all of the other doctors and nurses at Mercy Medical Center and the good people at Hospice of Central Iowa.

Those left behind to cherish his memories include his wife, Ione; brother, Greg Trebilcock (Marcia) of Wichita, KS; sister-in-law, Fran Arness of Seattle, WA; brother-in-law, Alert Folkedahl (Sharon) of Decorah, IA; uncle, Merle Rolfs (Diane) of Fort Collins, CO; aunts, Lois Slabach and Marilyn Nickel of Clearwater, KS, Dorothy Rolfs of Albuquerque, NM and Joan Rolfs of Ellsworth, KS; plus many nieces and nephews, cousins and wonderful friends.

Dave was preceded in death by his mother, LaVerne Trebilcock; stepfather, Sid Trebilcock; aunt, Arlene Prentice; uncles, Melvin Rolfs and Ron Rolfs and nephew, Michael Folkedahl.

Memorial contributions may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation in Dave's name. Family and friends may leave their condolences at www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com.

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store. ~ The Des Moines (IA) Register 01 Jan 2012.