Kenneth D. Wilkens, 81, of 2123 Deerfield Court in St.Marys, OH, died 5:30 a.m. Thursday March 13, 2008 at the JTDM Hospital in St.Marys.

He was born July 1, 1926 in St.Marys, OH to Arty & Emma (Burkhart) Wilkens.

On November 18, 1967 in New Bremen, OH, he married Dorothy M. McDermitt-Wiehe, who survives..

He is also survived by: daughter Kimberly Wiehe-Kaylor of Sidney, OH

son Kevin (Janet) Wilkens of Manassas, VA

5 grandchildren: Amber, Addison & Alivia Kaylor; Jaclyn & Kenneth Wilkens

sister Onnolee (Eugene) Brodbeck of St.Marys, OH

He was preceded in death by: father Arty Wilkens, mother Emma Wilkens-Dohse

He was a graduate of Memorial High School in St.Marys (Class of 1947) and the former Bliss Business College in Columbus, OH.

He retired as a systems analyst from the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in St.Marys, after 44 years of service.

He was a member of the St.Paul’s United Church of Christ in New Bremen and the St.Marys Men’s Garden Club.

He had served multiple terms as a trustee for St.Marys Township.

Despite his physical affliction following a bout with polio, he became an avid golfer and bowler. He also enjoyed gardening and playing cards, especially the game of “sheephead.” He was a loyal fan of the St.Marys Roughriders and the Cleveland Browns football programs.

Services are scheduled 10:30 a.m. Monday March 17, 2008 at the Miller Funeral Home (Ohio 703 West Chapel) in St.Marys, with the Rev. Leah Matthews and the Rev. Mark Brodbeck, co-officiating. Burial will follow at the German Protestant Cemetery in New Bremen.

Visitation  for family and friends  2 - 4 & 6 - 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home on Ohio 703 West.

Memorial contributions may be directed to either the Auglaize Co. Cancer Assoc., or the St.Paul’s UCC.