"Chris and family, Very sorry to hear about your mom\'s passing. My sincere sympathy to the entire family."
In loving memory of
JoAnn Wilken
April 22, 1936 - February 2, 2021
JoAnn Wilken was born on April 22, 1936, in Omaha, Nebraska, and she was raised by Charles and Esther "Mary" (Jacobson) Youmans. She spent her younger years in Omaha and Templeton, Iowa. When she was about nine years old, she moved to Westside. She graduated high school with the class of 1955. JoAnn married Vern Wilken on May 27, 1956, at the Evangelical and Reformed Church in Westside and three children were born to this union: Vicki, Mark and Chris.
Jo was a member of the United Church in Westside. She was a hard-working farm wife who loved horses and raising bottle-fed calves. She loved seeing butterflies and tending her flower garden. She treasured spending time with good friends, family and neighbors. When the couple moved to town, she enjoyed watching the squirrels every day. Her and Vern loved to travel; they visited all of the United States, Mexico, Cayman Islands, the eastern and western Caribbean, Nova Scotia and Switzerland.
JoAnn died on February 2, 2021, at the Accura Health Care Center in Carroll, Iowa, at the age of 84 years, nine months and 11 days.
JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents and brothers-in-law, Vince Reagor, Ralph Johnson and Dennis Wilken; She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Vern Wilken of Westside; three children, Vicki (Dan) Lehrman of Spencer, South Dakota, Mark Wilken of Carroll, Iowa and Chris (Carla) Wilken of Wausa, Nebraska; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Kati Reagor and Charlie Youmans both of Spokane, Washington; sisters-in-law, Shirley Johnson of Louisville, Nebraska and Julie Wilken of Osceola, Iowa; and many other relatives and friends.
Masks are required at the visitation and funeral service.
Memorials may be directed to New Hope Village in Carroll or family wishes.
Interment will be at the Westside Cemetery.
Tributes
"I was a neighbor of Jo\'s 2011-14, she was always a friendly face. I enjoyed spending time with her talking. She was always sharing cookies and her raspberry jam. After moving I didn\'t get to see her much, but she always remembered me and always had nice things to say. I treasure the hollyhock\'s she brought over for my daughter. Jo you will be so missed, you are so loved, a treasure to so many. May you rest in peace with our Father in heaven. Love, Randi"
"Vicki and family you are in our thoughts and prayers. Mike and Cindy Graham"
"Vern and family you are in my prayers. Always enjoyed our visits . Loved her smile. Stay strong. Cecelia Thelen "
"JoAnn was such a sweet lady and I enjoyed chatting with her whenever we had a chance encounter. May she rest in peace. My sympathy to the entire family."