John W. Wilkinson

John William Wilkinson, age 78, of Mount Hope, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2014, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in LaCrosse. He was born on October 7, 1935, the son of William J. and Nellie (Ward) Wilkinson. John graduated from Patch Grove High School in 1953. He enlisted in the United States Army in March of 1953 and served his country for three years in Granite City, IL and Orleans, France. John also served two years in the Army Reserves, followed by twenty-nine years in the WIARNG, retiring in 1984 as CW3. He married Mary J. Moore on June 21, 1957. They divorced in 2000. John later met his soul-mate and true love, his fianc, Susan McCartney. They resided in Millville with his other love, Jimmy, his four legged buddy.

John was a mechanic, handyman, tinkerer, and jack-of-all-trades his entire life. His greatest love was to share his mechanical knowledge with all of those he knew. John never lacked a fix-it-job for himself or others even if it meant trying out a new tool or gadget. He was a quiet and humble man who spoke volumes. John always stepped up to help when he saw a need without wanting or seeking recognition for all of his good deeds. He was a constant source of support and wisdom for his family and friends. John had a quiet unspoken pride for those he loved. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and a paid for life member of the Gray Wachter Murphy American Legion Post No. 229 of Mount Hope. John was an avid supporter of fellow veterans.

Survivors include his fianc, Susan McCartney and her daughter, Mona (Keith) Wilson; his son, John R. Junior (Abby Tredennick) Wilkinson; his daughter, Janet (Roger) Friedlein; his grandchildren: Jeremy, Casey, Bella, Zach, Tyler, Brendley, Wayne, Amanda, Kris, Kyle, and Jonah; his great-grandchildren: Chuck, Danica, Lainey, Natilie, Andy, Phoenix, Dravon, Trae, and Kris, Jr.; his brother, Jerry (Ilene) Wilkinson; his nephew, Kevin (Deb) Wilkinson and family; his niece, Karen (Gary) Welter and family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two infant siblings and his sister, Doris (Eugene) Werner.

Funeral services were held on Monday, September 29, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at Martin Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Bloomington with Pastor Mike Christensen officiating. Burial with military honors was in Patch Grove Cemetery, Patch Grove Township. Family greeted friends on Sunday, September 28, 2014, from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Bloomington and on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home. In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials may be given to the Gray Wachter Murphy American Legion Post No. 229 of Mount Hope.