Sarah J. Willkens

Sarah Willkens, 87, of Grand Island passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at Brookefield Park in St. Paul. Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Visitation will be an hour prior to the service. Pastor Ed Schambach Jr. will officiate. The family requests red attire as it was Sarah’s favorite color. Burial will follow at Grand Island City Cemetery. Sarah was born on June 10, 1929 in Palmer, daughter of Harry and Emma (Reeves) Fogland. She is survived by her children, Craig (Kellie) Willkens of Grand Island and Lona (Prof. David) Marks of Minneapolis, MN; grandson, Joseph Willkens of Grand Island; nieces, Sarah Barth and Shelley Bucholz both of Lincoln; along with numerous extended family and friends. Sarah was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Lloyd “Lucky” Willkens and sister, Adeline Green. As a lifelong Nebraska resident, Sarah grew up on a farm near Palmer. She graduated from Central City and continued her education and was a proud member of the first graduating summer school class from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln with her Master’s in Education. On December 23, 1951, she was married to Lloyd “Lucky” Willkens. This union was blessed with 59 years together and two children. Sarah was employed as a Title 1 reading specialist and helped children with reading and comprehension skills while employed at Trinity Lutheran School, Central Catholic and Grand Island Public Schools. Sarah was a dedicated member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church; she was active in HATS group, Wednesday Bible Study, Senior’s Ministry and Stephen’s Ministry. Sarah lived a very full life and shared her love and compassion in many ways. As an avid member of Angel Collectors of America, Sarah enjoyed attending conventions and local meetings with her fellow collectors. She would also give inspirational lectures to many bible studies and women’s groups about the angels in the Bible. She was a lifelong reader, anything from mystery to inspirational. Sarah was very social; she loved to shop and travel and was in the Conestoga Mall Fashion show several times. She also enjoyed time spent outdoors with all of her flower gardens. We were blessed by her long earthly life and thankful for her legacy of faith, independence, work ethic and the loving spirit she left with us and we look forward to seeing her again in eternity. Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date.

Sarah J. Willkens

June 10, 1929 - March 2, 2017

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Sarah J. Willkens

June 10, 1929 - March 2, 2017

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support