Grant R. Wilken

Grant R. Wilken

Marion

Grant R. Wilken, 79, of Marion, passed away after a sudden illness on October 20, 2024. A vigil will be held at 1:30 PM with visitation from 2:00 – 5:00 PM on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Murdoch Funeral Home in Marion. Funeral Mass will occur at 10:00 AM on Monday, October 28, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Prairieburg with full military honors.

Grant was born on December 14, 1944, in Monticello, Iowa to Emmund and Phyllis Wilken.

Grant married the love of his life, Patricia “Patty” (Holub) Wilken, on June 26, 1971, in Prairieburg, Iowa, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Grant graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Iowa in 1968. Grant proudly served in the United States Army from 1968-1971. Grant was commissioned as Second Lieutenant upon graduating from ROTC at the University of Iowa. He served two years in Germany and served one tour of duty in Vietnam, where he was a truck company commander, leading supply convoys during operations. Grant was honorably discharged as a Captain in 1971, having been awarded an Army Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star for meritorious action during service. During his retirement, Grant was an active member of the American Legion Post 298 in Marion, specifically in the Color Guard.

Grant was a true family man and enjoyed spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren’s events. He had a gentle way with children, and they were drawn to his warmth. Grant was a grill-master and was active in weekly golf leagues for years. He loved family fishing trips for walleye and watching Iowa Hawkeye sports. He was meticulously organized and could tell you what you did last year on this exact date, and probably what time. Grant’s wry humor was often unassuming on the face, but his sharp quips were legendary, especially around the euchre table. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and had experiences throughout Europe and the United States. Grant was a 37-year employee of Life Investors/Aegon and retired in 2008. After retirement, Grant was able to do more of what he loved, especially spending time with his family.

Grant and Patty were parishioners of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion for over 53 years. His faith life was very important to him.

Grant is survived by his loving wife of over 53 years, Patty, and his adoring children: Brian (Kari Lynn) Wilken of Cedar Rapids, Ross (Erin) Wilken of Downers Grove, IL, Barry (Amy) Wilken of Mt. Juliet, TN, Keely (Brian) Buffo of Batavia, IL, and Spencer Wilken of Bloomington, IL; his loving grandchildren: Tyler, Kendra, Grayson, Beckett, Hunter, Oliver, Ella, Charlie, Sabrina, Natasha, Frankie, and Silas; step-grandchildren: Emma and Sophie Hearn; step-mother-in-law, Pat Holub; his siblings: Laurel (Mike) Solomon, Dennis (Rebecca) Wilken, Diane Tuetken, Sheryl (John) McElmeel, and Jill (Jay) Iben; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Grant is predeceased by his parents, Emmund and Phyllis, sister Sharon Coffland, brother Gaylan Wilken, brothers-in-law Wayne Holub and Carl Holub, father-in-law Stanley Holub, and mother-in-law LaVern Holub.

“…And he bowed his head to Jesus, and he stood for Uncle Sam, and he only loved one woman, was always proud of what he had… He said his greatest contribution is the ones you leave behind. Raised on the ways and gentle kindness of a small-town ‘Iowa’ man.”

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church or the American Legion Post 298 in Marion in Grant’s honor.

Please share a memory of Grant at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.