Obituary: Wilken

Patricia Ann Wilken, 82, Chatsworth, died on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury.

Her funeral will be 10:30 am Friday, May 23, 2025 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Roberts, with Pastor Matt Geerdes officiating.  Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 pm Thursday at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury and 9:00 to 10:15 am Friday at the church.  Burial will be in Chatsworth-Charlotte Twp. Cemetery, Chatsworth.  All are welcome to a meal at the Chatsworth Catholic Parish Hall immediately following. 

Pat was born September 17, 1942 in Fairbury, IL, the daughter of Russel and Marie (Flessner) Lindquist.  She married Irvin Dale Wilken on September 1, 1963 in Chatsworth, IL.  He survives in Chatsworth.

Other survivors include two sons, Keith (Penelope) Wilken, Roanoke, VA, John (Tania) Wilken, Chatsworth, IL, four grandchildren, Marie Catherine (Kevin Hollerbach) Wilken, Samuel Irvin Wilken, Irene Joyce Wilken, and Sarah Lynn Wilken; one sister, Joyce (John) Pool, Thawville, IL, and two special family friends, Eva Bado and Bianca D’Ávila do Prado. She is preceded in death by her parents.

Pat Wilken was a 1960 graduate of Chatsworth High School. Early in her career, she worked in banking and was an executive secretary at the University of Illinois.  She later worked for 20 years at Homeshield (Quanex) in Chatsworth.  She farmed with her husband and maintained their large homestead in rural Chatsworth since 1976. 

She was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Roberts.  Pat was a talented pianist and organist, playing in the Jolly Sailors dance band and for many churches, weddings, funerals, and school events.  She was also an avid gardener, made hundreds of toothbrush woven rugs as gifts, and worked on countless quilts.  She loved hosting family and friends, but she especially loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Pat was deeply grateful for all the love, care, prayers, and encouragement she received that helped her navigate her battle with pancreatic cancer.

The family suggests memorials be given to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Roberts, Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury, or the Prairie Central Fine Arts or FFA Departments.