Harold John Wilkens “Harry” age 75 of Ellsworth, Wis., passed away peacefully on Aug. 15, 2025, at home. Harry was born on June 24, 1950 in New Richmond, Wis., to William and Anne (Owen) Wilkens. Harry was united in marriage to Devera Lee Watzek on Jan. 3, 1970. Their marriage was blessed with three children, Jeffery, Troy, and Michelle.
Harry worked at S.B Foot Tanning Co. for 36 years and retired in 2006. He was a hard worker on the clock and off the clock. If you knew Harry you would know his passions were fishing, gardening, Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, and Euchre. If you knew Harry you would know the things he loved more than anything were his friends and family, especially his grandkids.
Harry had an amazing personality, no he wasn’t perfect, he had a stubborn streak, but he could make you laugh, he was so easy to talk to, he was very honest, sometimes too much so. He loved to be with friends and family, he had the best smile and laugh, we loved his chicken dancing moves that we all ribbed him about; he definitely enjoyed having some beers and just living life and he will be missed so very much
We hope you are in heaven with all your friends and family that have passed before you, playing euchre, fishing, dancing, having a Busch Light and enjoying being pain free. Thank you for being such an amazing friend, loving father, husband, grandpa, uncle, brother. You will be forever loved and missed.
Harry is survived by his wife Debbie, Ellsworth; three children: Jeffery Wilkens, Troy Wilkens, Shelley (Brock) Schulte of Ellsworth; grandchildren: Derek, Matthew, Brett, Elliot, Andrew, Teah, Dominic, and Mary; great grandchildren: Ella, Emric, Ryatt, Brayden, Rilyn; siblings: Karon, Lorin, Dean, Cheryl, and Pam.
Preceding his death were his parents Bill and Anne, brothers Robert, Terry, Roger, Alan, sisters Barb and Vicky, grandson Christopher, and daughter-in-law Kristy.
A Celebration of Life will be held 4-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, at the Ellsworth Rod & Gun (W3930 State Road 72, Ellsworth WI 54011.) Interment at Trenton Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements handled by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Ellsworth Chapel.
