Phyllis Wilkening

A graveside memorial service for Phyllis Wilkening of Wadena will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 17, at the Wadena Cemetery, with Pastor Jim Stoneman presiding. Family and friends may gather starting at 12:30p.m. A reception celebrating Phyllis’ life will follow at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Wadena. Peacefully, Phyllis passed away at her home in Wadena MN, on November 11, 2023, at the age of 85. Phyllis Evon Braun was born one of five children to Lester and Ethel (Robinson) Braun on December 13, 1937, in Ambrose ND. The family moved to Wadena in 1945 where Phyllis graduated from High School. On November 13, 1954, Phyllis was united in marriage with Alan L Nicoll in Wadena. They made their home in Wadena before moving to Great Falls MT, and later Baudette MN, all of which were DEW Line Air Force Bases. After Alan’s death Phyllis raised their four young children while working out of her home as a seamstress, often doing alterations for Stern & Fields menswear in Wadena. She met Robert (Bob) Wilkening and they were married December 16, 1967, in Wadena. The community may remember her as the receptionist and secretary of Charles Rowe and later Erik Olson, CPA for 16 years. Hours away from work and into retirement she enjoyed gardening, sewing, and sending cards for all occasions. Family and friends were dear to her and she kept friends for a lifetime. Her red velvet cake was that of a "baker extraordinaire” as were her church bazaar Pecan Tassies, and cheese spread recipe for funeral lunches. Phyllis was a dedicated member in numerous capacities since 1945 at the First Congregational UCC in Wadena, along with the VFW Auxiliary and a community birthday club. Preceding Phyllis in death were her husbands, Alan L Nicoll (1961) and Robert Wilkening (2020); parents Lester and Ethel Braun; grandson Jesse Wilkening; brother Floyd Braun; and brother -in-law, John Monical. Phyllis will be forever loved by her children Kathy (Ken) Widmer of Wasilla AK, Alan (Jody) Big Lake AK, Randy (Lisa ) Avon, Jeffrey (Jo Ann) Rice, step-son Dale (Melissa) Wilkening Deer River; nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; sisters Delores Monical of Pequot Lakes, Mary Lynk (Russ) of Detroit Lakes and Joyce Perreten (Jerry Orbeck) of Ottertail; along with many nephews and nieces, friends and neighbors. She is also survived by her beloved canine companion, Babydoll. Urn bearers will be her children and step-son. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Phyllis’ name may be directed to the First Congregational Church UCC in Wadena.

Phyllis Wilkening

December 13, 1937 - November 11, 2023