Larry Graham Wilken, of Staplehurst, was born Sept. 7, 1953, to Lawrence and Elva (Graham) Wilken in Seward.
He was raised in rural Garland, and was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church. Larry attended Seward High School, graduating in 1971. On Sept. 30, 1972, Larry was united in marriage to Connie Naber in Utica. After high school, he apprenticed under and worked for his uncle as a plumber at Pflughaupt Plumbing and Heating. Larry later bought the company, owning and operating Wilken Plumbing and Heating until his retirement in the spring of 2021. Larry was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, recently celebrating his and Connie’s 50th wedding anniversary.
He enjoyed time with his family, attending his grandchildren’s activities, watching and playing golf, spending time at the farm with his friends and Monday afternoons at the Garland Legion. Larry was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Staplehurst, serving as a trustee and head usher, the Staplehurst Volunteer Fire Department, Staplehurst Men’s Community Club and he was a life member and a Gold Star Brother of the Seward VFW Auxiliary Post 4755. Larry was an inspiration to us all, courageously battling and beating cancer three times. Larry passed away Nov. 10, 2022, in Omaha, surrounded by his family, at the age of 69 years, 2 months and 3 days.
He is survived by his wife, Connie Wilken of Staplehurst; children, Tera (Mark) Dey of Gresham, Tatum Tonniges of Seward,, Lyndsy (Brian) Schulz of Seward, and Jonathon (Erin) Wilken of Seward; grandchildren, Zachary Tonniges, Eden Schulz, Alex Tonniges, Jack Schulz, Mary Wilken and Jay Wilken; siblings, Priscilla (Rod) Thonen of Staplehurst, Deanna (Ken) Boyer of Garland, Daryl (Barb) Wilken of Seward, and Dayle Wilken of Garland; and nieces and nephews. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Elva Wilken; brother, Bryan Wilken; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Raymond and Mary Naber.
The funeral service is Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Staplehurst with committal at the church cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested in care of the Wilkens family. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.volzkefuneralhome.com.
