Donald Levern Wilker, 78, Owatonna

Donald Levern Wilker, 78, of Owatonna, died Friday, Feb. 5, 2016 at the Homestead Hospice House in Owatonna.  

Don was born Aug. 14, 1937 in Owatonna, Minnesota the son of Levern and Leona (Abbe) Wilker. He graduated from Owatonna High School and attended one year at the University of Minnesota School of Agriculture. While serving in the National Guard in northern Minnesota, Don met his future wife, Jon Miller. They were married July 7, 1962 in Blackduck, Minnesota. Don worked at the Owatonna Elevator for a short time before farming alongside his father and brother in Meriden Township. Don also worked at the Steele County Highway Department until his retirement.  

Don was an active leader for the 4-H Meriden Meadowlarks. He served on the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Council, Steele County Free Fair Board, Meriden Township Board, Owatonna Elevator Board and Norwest Bank Board. He was a member of Rotary, Steele County Pork Producers and Minnesota State Pork Producers. He loved nature, the outdoors, gatherings for family and friends, and his dogs, Charlie and Jax.

He is survived by his wife, Jon Wilker of Owatonna; his sons, Michael (Judy Kittleson) Wilker of Washington D.C., and Kent (Kristen) Wilker of Owatonna; four grandchildren, Maija and Karl Kittleson Wilker of Washington D.C., and Chad and Abby Wilker of Owatonna; his brother, Vern (June) Wilker of Owatonna; brother-in-law, Lowell Bethke of Worland, Wyoming; nieces, Deb (Pat) Zeman and Michelle (Mike) Noble; nephews, Peter (Renee) Belina, Mitchell (Rochelle) Belina, Kevin (Sue) Bethke, and Kurt (Carol) Bethke.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Elaine Bethke; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, David and Pat Belina.

Visitation was at Michaelson Funeral Home on Monday, Feb. 8, 2016 from 4 to 7 p.m. Visitation along with coffee and refreshments was Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Meriden, from 9 to 10 a.m. Funeral services, followed by lunch, were held Feb. 9, 2016 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Meriden with The Reverend Patti Meyer officiating. Interment will be in the St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, Meriden. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Meriden or Homestead Hospice House.