Died: 23 October 2023
Barbara Wilkens was a devoted mother, passionate educator, and dedicated volunteer who passed away on 23 October 2023 in Palm Coast, FL, at the age of 95. She was preceded in death by her husband Rollin, her parents, several cousins, aunts, and uncles. Barbara was born in Richland center Wisconsin on 7 December 1927 to Elmer and Clara (Snyder) Richter. Barbara’s life was marked by a deep commitment to education and service.
Her early years were spent in Muscoda, Wisconsin. In 1945, the family then moved to Madison, Wisconsin where she completed her senior year and graduated from Madison West in 1945. She enrolled in University of Wisconsin in 1945 and graduated cume laude in 1950 her degree and chief professional interest were Spanish while in college. She met her future husband Rollin Wilkens and they married 8 July 1950 and moved to Martinsville Virginia. During her time in Virginia, Barbara taught at several county schools and Martinsville High School. She was an active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and participated in many community activities. In 1980 the Wilkens retired to Palm Coast Florida, there Barbara again became active in St. Marks By the Sea Lutheran Church and was an organist at Shepherd of the Coast Lutheran Church for five years a well. She spent two years as a bilingual teacher, helping a young Venezuelan student overcome language barriers along with many others. Following this, she dedicated several years to teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) to Spanish-speaking individuals through the Community Education Program.
Beyond the classroom, Barbara’s heart was in volunteer work. She gave her time and compassion to the Flagler County Humane Society for five years, advocating for the welfare of animals in need. She and her husband also volunteered their voices to read and record books for the Florida Department of Blind and Deaf Services in Daytona Beach, bringing the joy of literature to those who could not see or hear it.
Barbara’s love extended to her family. She was the beloved mother of two sons, John (Lynn) Wilkens and Tommy (Hilde) Wilkens. She is survived by two sons and her three granddaughters, Barbara Wilkens Weatherman, Carly & Chelsea Wilkens, and nine great-grandchildren: Grayson, Madison, Ashton, Payton, Addison, Britton, Easton, and Brooklyn. Her Beloved Niece Shelly & Gerald Wilkens of Wyoming, cousin Diane Williams of Palm Coast, Florida, and her dear friend/caregiver Amy Burt also cherished her presence.
Her kindness, dedication, and love touched the lives of many, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A memorial service to celebrate Barbara’s life will be held on 31 October 2023 at Craig Flagler Palms Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, Flagler Beach Fl.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her honor to S.A.F.E., which was close to her heart.
Barbara Wilkens’ memory will forever remain in the hearts of her family, friends, and those she inspired with her selflessness and unwavering love.
“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day
Barbara is listed in the 4th edition of the Friedrich Seidemann Family Tree Book on page 112 and 113 with her husband, their children, and grandchildren.