In loving memory of

Melissa M. Wilken
January 1, 1981 - August 17, 2017

Melissa Margaret Wilken was born January 1, 1981, in Denison, Iowa, the daughter of Mark and Kimberly Wilken. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that she had in some way touched throughout her life. She began her eternal life with Jesus on Thursday, August 17, 2017, after a long, courageous battle with brain cancer. Melissa was 36 years, 7 months and 16 days at the time of her passing.
Melissa had many passions in life; reading, dining at new restaurants, walking and of course, music. She had a song for every occasion, often amazing people with her vast knowledge of lyrics. Melissa loved everyone and was kind to all. Her beautiful smile brought joy to all those who spent time with her. Through life’s experiences, she learned that God comes first, after that nothing is more important than family.
She loved to travel, seeing new places and meeting new people. She especially liked to sample exotic cuisine. Family vacations were some of Melissa’s most cherished memories; Puerto Vallarta ranking at the top of the list.
Reading, exercise and music were some of Melissa’s favorite activities. She had a beautiful singing voice, which she used often to show off her knowledge of lyrics. Her favorite memories were those of time spent with her children as well as with her family; nothing mattered more to her.
Melissa was a 1999 graduate of Denison High School. She continued her education at Buena Vista University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology/human services.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Vernie; and a cousin, Jason. Survivors include, one daughter, Autumn Rayne; one son, Ryker Grant; her parents, Mark and Kimberly; one brother, Grant; grandparents Larry and Reta “Peaches” ; Kenneth “Mike”; and Marjorie; other relatives and many friends.


In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to the children's education fund.

Tributes

Mardi (Perrien) Mohrhauser wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Gone too soon, remembered forever! Prayers to the Wilkens family."

Jerry Boger wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time."

Tami OMeara wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Paula Blume wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"1 file added to the tribute wall"

Kevin Majors wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Mark and Kim- So Sorry to hear about the loss of Melissa. My sincere condolonces go out to you and your family. Kevin, Ryan, and Stephanie Majors (Boone, IA)"

Laurie and Brody wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Blenda Gossage wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Kimberly Dalrymple wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"There are no words....Sending Love and Prayers to the entire Wilken Family. I'm so sorry for your loss. :broken_heart:"

rachel wight wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Tracy Reit wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Charlie wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Ron-n-Vicky Reis wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Jodie Brown wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Shauna Heiden wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Bonnie McCullough wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

rachel cadwell wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Michelle Roser wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Josie Mefferd wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Shari Bruck wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Sarah Totten wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"So sorry for your loss. Prayers to your family."

steve blunk wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Jane Ohlmeier wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Brandi Ernst wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Emily Meseck wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Marie Blackman wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Karen Elizabeth McCord wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Kate Slater wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Lori Amorim wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"I remember my mom and Kim used to walk while we would play with Melissa and Grant. Praying for you all"

Sandy Johnson wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Tight hugs to you and your family, Kim. Keeping you in my prayers."

Linnae wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Jamie Henningsen wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"You are all in my prayers!!"

kim hoffmeier wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

vicki lyman wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Sharon Irwin wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

bill hast wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Dena Diersen wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Dixie king wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Jammie Lemon wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Kathy Segebart wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Melissa M. Wilken"

Rhonda Wessel-Goslar wrote on Aug 24, 2017:

"My sincere sympathy to all of Melissa's family. May God's healing grace help you find comfort and peace in the days ahead."

Ruth wrote on Aug 22, 2017:

"I enjoyed working with Melissa at Cronks a few years ago."

Christine Thomas wrote on Aug 21, 2017:

"Chris, Gaige, and Noah Love You Always"

Stormer wrote on Aug 21, 2017:

"1 file added to the tribute wall"

Gary Brown wrote on Aug 20, 2017:

"RIP Prayers for the family left behind, Gone but not forgotten."

rachel cadwell wrote on Aug 20, 2017:

"My condolences... prayers going out for all..."

Peaches Campbell wrote on Aug 19, 2017:

"We will always share the many memories of Melissa, if only here for a short time, too short. May she soar on angels wings and may you light the heavens with radiance that never dies. Until we meet again Melissa. Grandpa Larry & Grandma Peaches"

Laura Forslund wrote on Aug 19, 2017:

"I met Melissa quite a few years ago here in Vegas. She was standing outside in the grass watching her daughter, Autumn playing. We struck up a conversation and we were immediate friends. I recognized her because I was CERTAIN that God had brought us together. She was a sister in Christ. Through all of the life I was blessed to share with her and her beautiful family and then through her last days, God's light beamed out of her. She sang and smiled because of His saving Grace and she praised Him. She ABSOLUTELY knew Who she belinged to. She is home. We miss her, but are jouful that she now shares eternity with God because of our Saviour."

Kristine Lehan wrote on Aug 19, 2017:

"In Sympathy to ALL of Melissa's Family. With each new day, may peace find a place in your hearts. Kris, Russ, and Mark Lehan"

Kristin Webb wrote on Aug 19, 2017:

"I remember when we were little. Melissa & I both loved Unicorns. She believed they were real, which made me believe. I hope you're up there riding a unicorn now Melissa! You will be missed, but you've left behind memories in many people to smile upon."

Lisa McBeth wrote on Aug 19, 2017:

"My heart goes out for her children, family and dear friends! Fly high sweet Angel; her precious soul forever lives on! xx"

Bridget Jensen wrote on Aug 19, 2017:

"You have my deepest sympathy."

Carol Jensen wrote on Aug 19, 2017:

"Will always remember Melissa and my two girls playing dress up with her dance costumes while Kim and I made mop dolls. Such a sweet generous girl. She will be so missed."

Marlys Schmadeke wrote on Aug 18, 2017:

"Kim, So very sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your entire family in my prayers. It is very tough to lose a child."