Kenneth "Toad" G. Wilkens Sr.

Funeral services for Kenneth G. “Toad” Wilkens, Sr, 73 of New Boston, will be Thursday at 3:00 PM at the New Boston United Methodist Church. Burial will be in New Boston Cemetery. Visitation is Wednesday from 6 to 8 PM at the New Boston United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to the Kenneth Wilkens Memorial Fund. Speer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Kenneth was born on December 8, 1937 in Rock Island to Walter and Bertha (Ulmandt) Wilkens. He graduated from Reynolds High School and served his country in the Army National Guard. Kenneth and the former Sharon Jones were united in marriage on June 19, 1959 at Zion Lutheran Church in Taylor Ridge. Kenneth was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local #150 (which began as Local #537) for over 45 years. He also owned and operated “Toad’s Bait Shop” in New Boston for several years. Kenneth loved to go fishing and play cards. Those left to cherish Kenneth’s memory include his wife, Sharon; 3 children and their spouses: Michael & Mandi Wilkens of Wenona, IL; Teresa & Jason Foster of San Jose, CA and Penny Gipson of New Boston; 7 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 4 brothers and their wives: Walt Wilkens of Alaska; Donald & Lois Wilkens of Edgington; Wayne & Jean Wilkens of Newport Richey, FL and Bill & Marjorie Wilkens of Taylor Ridge; 4 sisters and their husbands: Shirley & Dennis Miller of Milan; Anita & Howard McClure of Nebo, MO; Dorothy Beattie of Andalusia and Blanche Edens of Pine River, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 sons: Kevin, Kenneth Jr., and Warren and 3 sisters: Mary Jane and Mildred Wilkens and Betty Hildebrand.