Gary N. Wilkins

Gary Neal Wilkins, age 72, of Platteville, died unexpectedly of acute leukemia, on March 9, 2016, at UW Hospital, Madison, surrounded by his family. Gary was born in Platteville, WI on March 10, 1943, son of the late Neal and Ruth Wilkins. Gary attended Liberty Ridge Country School and graduated from Lancaster High School in 1961. Along with being mechanically inclined and able to fix almost anything, Gary spent most of his life farming the Wilkins Farm in Platteville. On July 3, 1999, he was united in marriage to Kay (Fruit) Johnson. Gary previously worked at UW-Platteville, Gro Alliance and most recently enjoyed working at Menards as well as owning a lawn service business. Time away from Platteville was spent in Florida and five wonderful years in Tennessee living near his daughter Amy and family. Every day was an adventure with Gary. He enjoyed many things in life including his family, farming, snowmobiling, raising horses, obtaining his pilot's license, building and owning planes, working at small airports and being a good friend to all. He always had an interest in cars, which led to a passion for stock car auto racing, NASCAR, and close friendships with Sterling Marlin and Dick Trickle. He previously served the community on the Platteville Board of Education and was a founding member of the Platteville Drift Busters Snowmobile Club. He currently was president of the Southwest Wisconsin Auto Club, a member of the Platteville United Methodist Church and a board member of the Prairie View Condo Association.

He is survived by his wife Kay Wilkins; children: Aaron (Lori) Wilkins and Amy (Drake) Garrison, and their mother, Jeanne (Ferris) Durkis; grandchildren Tristan Garrison and Jaime (Kurt) Holscher; great-grandchildren Kate and Emily Holscher; step-son Joshua (Theresa) Johnson and their children, Alexander, Aurora and Epona; special twin sister Mary Wilkins, sisters Linda (Roger) Martin and Ann (John) Van De Wiel; Aunt Erma Knutson, and many wonderful cousins, nieces, nephews, and their families.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at the Platteville United Methodist Church with Reverend Brenda Whitford officiating. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery, Platteville. Family and friends called on Monday, March 14, 2016, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Platteville. Friends also called on Tuesday, March 15, 2016, from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. A Gary Neal Wilkins Memorial Fund has been established.