Wayne Alan Wilkens, 63, of Ada, MN, passed away peacefully at his residence on August 3, 2024. Born in Ada, MN on June 14, 1961, to Betty and the late William “Willie” Wilkens, Wayne dedicated his life to his career of carpentry, drywall finishing and farming. 
Wayne started his career traveling throughout the states for a telephone company and had the pleasure of constructing log homes with his friend Ted Anderson during the mid-80s, one of which was for the hockey player Dave Tippet. When he settled in Ada, he focused on home construction and finishing work. Wayne was known far and wide for his exceptional carpentry skills, which he generously shared with countless families in Ada. His meticulous attention to detail in his work was something that was noticed by many. He was always happy to share an ornament or piece of his scroll saw work, with pieces making their home in the Ada-Borup School and Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral home, just to name a couple projects. Any project his kids presented to him, Wayne would tackle, always ensuring to ask about precise measurements, preferred colors, and the type of wood to be used, guaranteeing each job was done to perfection regardless of how unusual it might be.
When Wayne decided to hang up his stilts and sheetrocking gear, he focused on farming the Wilkens Family Farmland north of Ada. Partnering with his dad, they focused on wheat and soybeans and sometimes threw in fun crops like “popcorn.” Over the winter months, Wayne kept busy snowmobiling, ice fishing and assembling large jigsaw puzzles with a bowl of extra buttery popcorn. Competition would also get feisty in the garage with a game or two of ping pong. German chocolate cake was a must for his birthdays. Wayne’s children, and we are sure many friends, have very fond memories of the stereo being cranked, rocking out to classic rock and 70’s jams.
He is survived by his loving daughters, Hayley (Brady) Coffield and Brandy (Brian) Miller, and his treasured son, Dylan Wilkens. Wayne also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Iris, Livi, Sutton, Sander, Becker, and Bowen; his sisters, Pam Twells, Wanda (John) Rosenburger, and Deb (Glen) Alexander, as well as his beloved mother, Betty. Wayne’s three dogs Jessie, Maggie & Lucy will miss his belly scratches and treats.
Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Willie, and his nephew, Jake.
Funeral Service: 11:00 AM, Friday, August 9, 2024 at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN.
Visitation: One hour before the service at the church.
Interment: Lockhart Pleasant View Cemetery, Lockhart, MN.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.fredriksonfh.com
Arrangements with Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Homes of Ada & Halstad, Minnesota
Tags:
