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1925
2017
Joan M. Wilkinson (92) of Ankeny, joined her heavenly Father on Sunday afternoon, August 13, 2017.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 18, 2017, at Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny (510 E. First Street). Visitation will be Thursday, beginning with a rosary at 5:00 p.m. and the family will greet friends until 8:00 p.m. at the church.
Joan was born to Joe and Grace (Hurley) Kennedy on July 13, 1925. She was raised on a Kossuth County farm, along with her twin sister, Jean, sister Patricia, and brothers Michael and Richard. At the young age of 17 she ventured to the big city of Des Moines to begin her adventures in the working world.
Over the years she worked for several car dealers as title clerk; moving into their bookkeeping departments as well. With her sharp mind and a knack for numbers, she logged over 25 years as a tax preparer, working out of her home, for commercial tax offices and volunteering with VITA, preparing income taxes for elderly and lower income individuals.
In her spare time, she played in Des Moines' softball leagues and often went dancing with friends. While teaching dance lessons at the former Tromar Ballroom in Des Moines, a handsome young man swept her off her feet. On May 19, 1951, she married him. Edgar Wilkinson and she made their home in Des Moines; eventually settling in Carney, just south of Ankeny. Joan took great pride in the home they built, and in which she was still living independently.
Together they raised seven children – Joe (Sue) of Solon, Jean (John) McPherson of Ankeny, Janet (Greg) Willey of Ankeny, Jerri Shipp of Des Moines, John (Stephanie) of Iowa City, Joan (Henry) Ammons of Altoona, and Judy (John) Norris of Ankeny.
With a crew that size, they spent countless hours packed into a station wagon, heading to school functions, recitals, appointments, church, and weekend runs to Holiday Lake, or to visit the Brekke, Waldschmidt or Kennedy cousins. In those early years, much of their recreation was spent with their Super Valu families; camping, pinochle or with neighborhood get togethers.
Later years were spent with the families of those seven children; and-eventually--23 grandkids and-now, 23 great-grandkids. Ed preceded her in death, in 2012. Throughout their life together, the driving element was always marriage, faith and family. And of course, always having ice cream on hand for any of those grandchildren.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Ankeny Funeral Home and Crematory.
August 19, 2017
LaVonne Reinert
I so enjoyed knowing Joan. Over the years she has been a real inspiration with her faith and friendliness for all those she met.
August 18, 2017
Robin Sanger
Jean and family, I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. I hope that memories have been comforting you all through this difficult time. Thinking of you all and keeping you in my prayers.
August 18, 2017
Michelle Mahlstadt
Joan family,
Growing up in Carney was the best ever childhood and having you all as neighbors just made it even better. I also really enjoyed having breakfast with your mom she was so sweet and funny she will be missed but not forgotten.
Michelle Medici Mahlstadt
August 15, 2017
Mike Hildebrand
Joan and my Mom were the best of friends for years. She was one of the kindest women I know. We are grateful we had the opportunity to know her. Wishing we could be there to say goodbye but it's not looking like we can make it. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
August 15, 2017
Gary Erion
Joe, Sue & family I am so sorry for the loss of your mother Joan . I send my heartfelt condolences. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
From what I know Joan must have been one great Mom,Joe,because she raised one heck of a kind, & thoughtful son , & a great father. God Bless You all Gary "carlos" Erion
August 15, 2017
Joe, Sue & family I am so sorry for the loss of your mother Joan . I send my heartfelt condolences. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
From what I know Joan must have been one great Mom,Joe,because she raised one heck of a kind, & thoughtful son , & a great father. God Bless You all Gary "carlos" Erion
August 15, 2017
June Froehle
Janet, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. We are never prepared to lose a parent. My prayers go out to you and your family.
June Froehle
August 15, 2017
Jerri and Family, I'm so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. may you find peace and comfort in your many memories of her.
Smile when you can, cry when you need to, gain your strength from your many family members.
Pam Klemz and your many friends at Cleaning Connection.
August 15, 2017
Mickey Riley
It is so sad to lose a grandparent. My heart goes out to you 3 Joey, Mataya and Jacob. Cherish her memory. Love Aunt Mickey and Uncle John.
August 15, 2017
Janice Edmondson
Our families -- the Yoris and Wilkinsons -- have years and years of shared memories. Our Dads served together in Korea, our parents remained friends, your family built a home across from our house in Carney and we all grew up together. We kids rode the school bus together. So many memories of running back and forth to each other's houses, playing softball and basketball and kickball and riding bikes together while our parents visited with each other. Your Mom has now joined our Dads and I'm sure they are having some great times and many laughs together in Heaven. Peace and love to all of you.
Janice Yori Edmondson
August 15, 2017
Brad Brekke
So many memories with Aunt Joan, Uncle Ed, and the whole clan of Wilkinson's. Joan will be deeply missed and my heart goes out to the entire Wilkinson family.
August 14, 2017
Joan stole my heart when she declared our son, Marcus, "one of the best, a really good guy" for her dear granddaughter Kaitlin. It also tickled me when she stated she "had no plans to share" her deluxe brandy-laden chocolate covered cherries I sent for Christmas season. Such a quick, wise wit she possessed! Joan was an endearing soul and she leaves a legacy of love to endure among all those family and friends who will miss her greatly. God Bless you all! Rebecca Hall
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Funeral services provided by:
Ankeny Funeral Home and Crematory1510 West First Street, Ankeny, IA 50023
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