Paul Wilken

Paul John Wilken was born on January 31, 1926 in rural Sac County, Iowa, the son of Ferdinand and Edna (Gosch) Wilken.

On May 29, 1949 he was united in marriage to Bonnie Crampton, who preceded him in death.

Paul attended rural school. He took one year out of school to attend confirmation class and was confirmed in 1939 at Peace Lutheran Church in Wall Lake, Iowa. He graduated from high school in Odebolt, Iowa in 1943. After high school, Paul served his country honorably in the United States Army from 1944 to 1946 in the European Theater of WWII.

Upon coming home from the army he began farming. He farmed in Iowa until 1971 when he and his family moved to Mora, Missouri, where he continued his farming endeavors. Later he operated Arnold's Farm Structures and sold McNess Feed. He enjoyed working with his cattle herd until he was 87 years old.

Paul was always an active member of the Lutheran Church where he lived. He was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Sedalia. He was faithful in attending services, Bible class, and other ministries. The Lord, in His goodness, mercy, and love, saw fit to take the soul of Paul John Wilken to himself on Saturday, May 13th, 2017. His body will await the resurrection from the dead when Christ will give all believers glorified bodies like His own and will bring them to be with Him forever.

Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie; an infant son, Neil; a brother, Russell; and his parents, Ferdinand and Edna Wilken.

He is survived by one daughter, Nancy Shewmaker (Russell) of Jonesboro, AR; two sons, Charles Wilken (Deborah) of Gravette, AR, and Bill Wilken (Debra) of Cole Camp, MO; seven grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and one sister, Joan Petersen.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Sedalia.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

It is suggested that memorial contributions be designated to Lutheran Hour Ministries or Benton County Hospice in care of Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia.