Francis “Frank” Jerome Wilkus
Friday, April 20, 1923
Date of Death:
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Age:
90 years old
Friday, April 20, 1923
Date of Death:
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Age:
90 years old
Friday, April 20, 1923
Date of Death:
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Age:
90 years old
Francis “Frank” Jerome Wilkus
Francis “Frank” Jerome Wilkus
The memorial Mass for Francis “Frank” Wilkus will be at 11:30AM, Thursday, January 9, 2014 in the Madonna Towers Chapel, Rochester, co-officiated by the Reverends James Russell and Joseph Fogal and assisted by the Reverend Bob Berglund. Visitation will begin at 10:00AM and continue until the time of the Mass. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery with Military Honors provided by American Legion Post 92.
Mr. Wilkus, 90, of Rochester, died peacefully surrounded by family, on Sunday, January 5, 2014 at St. Marys Hospital.
Frank was born on April 20, 1923 to Anthony and Edna (Johnson) Wilkus in Saint Paul, MN. He graduated from Washington High School in Saint Paul in 1941, and then entered the United States Marine Corps, where he served from 1941 – 1945. Frank was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded at Tarawa in 1943 during WWII.
On May 4, 1946 Frank married Theresa (Tree) Borsch in Saint Paul. Tree passed away on January 12, 2010.
In 1949, Frank graduated from the College of St. Thomas in Saint Paul and then went on to graduate from the Saint Paul College of Law in 1952. He held positions as a bank auditor at 1st Grand Avenue State Bank in Saint Paul and auditor/office manager for the Minnesota Department of Taxation before moving his family to Rochester 1956, where he became the first Administrator to the Olmsted Medical Group. Frank retired in 1985 to Sun City Arizona for 18 years with his wife Tree.
Frank served three terms on the Rochester City Council beginning on March 11, 1958. He was a member of the Common Council in 1958 winning by a “flip of coin” and was also on the Park Board for 23 years. He received the “Citizen Board Member Award” in 1989.
Frank is survived by one son, Jim (Susan) Wilkus of Underwood MN; three daughters, Mary Lynn (Robert) Corning of Pardeeville, WI, Louann (Darwin) Fieck of Millville, MN and Annette (Scott Duenow) Wilkus of Maplewood NJ; three grandchildren, Andy Wilkus, Michael Corning and Joseph (Megan) Fieck, two step-grandchildren; Ellen and Spencer Ferry; one sister, Patricia (John) Floeder, one brother-in-law; Joseph Steinworth and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Tree, two sons; Paul and Mark, and two brothers, John Wilkus and George Wilkus.
Macken Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. On-line condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Condolences
The family of Francis “Frank” Jerome Wilkus has received the following condolences.
I was checking Macken for information on the services for my dear cousing, Terry Shuster, who recently passed away at Samaratin. While doing so I was surprised and saddened to hear of the passing of Frank Wilkus. He and I were good friends years ago when we were both clinic administrators. My wife, Lois, passed away on 10-01-12 after major back surgery at Mayo. She spent some time at Madonna and more at Samaratin before she left us. My sincere sympathies go out to the Wilkus family and May he Rest in Peace.
Frank was the real reason for the success of the Olmsted Medical Group. His business expertise was just what was needed when he joined the group. His visions for the future of medical practice were unheard of at that time. He also made many contributions for the city as a council member and last but certainly not least was his long service on the park board.
Jim, Louanne and family,
I am saddened at the loss of youre beloved father, and he will
along with all of you be in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Sincerely,
Mark Kreter
I'm sorry to hear of Frank's passing but know he will be in a better place. But, it is a sad time and I pray for Frank and family. Our family knew the entire family growing up, attending St Pius X Catholic Church and school. We went on outdoor/camping activities with them as well. For sure there was hunting as part of those trips. I know Frank and family loved the outdoors.
I can relate one significant story, one where Frank possibly saved my life or saved me from serious injury. Our families were camping in Whitewater State park and I was probably five years old. I was sitting next to a tree and Frank told me to stay still, then within seconds he killed a rattlesnake that was within several feet of me. We have pictures of the rattler strung up in a tree as a trophy.
Thanks to Frank for that!! Our prayers are with Frank and his family.
Jim, Sue and family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May the peace that surpasses our understanding surround you at this time.
The Stroh Family
Dear Wilkus Family, You father has been an inspiration to us in these final years as he kept active and persevered. We knew his commitment to your mother and you all, to Rochester civic groups, the OMC and Madonna. As children, we knew him (and you) best at the OMG group picnic and competitions! Our father always said that the best decision he ever made at OMG was hiring Frank Wilkus.
We all saw so much at Frank as he make the rounds at Madonna and stopped to check on our parents. Thus, we are especially sad to miss the celebration of his life as almost all of us are out of town this week. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Anne, Mary, Barbara, Kevin, Tom, Elissa and Terese
Dear Annette, Jim and the rest of the Wilkus family,
I was sorry to read of Frank's death. While I didn't know him well, we had many interactions over the years and he always treated me and others with great respect and warmth. As a boy, I recall raising money for youth hockey, baseball and football and always going to the Wilkus home first because Frank and Tree would always buy candy, candles or whatever we were selling to pay for our uniforms, ice time, etc. In later years we traded stories of working in health care administration, comparing our experiences at Olmsted and Mayo. He left a wonderful impression with me; I can only imagine what great memories his family must have of this fine man.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jeff Korsmo
Dearest Annette Wilkus and Family:
The entire staff at SiteWorks Landscape Architecture in New York City sends our heartfelt condolences to Annette Wilkus our Founding Principal and her family on the passing of their dear Father. Your family will carry on his rich legacy as you honor him with your continued commitment to family, community and making the earth a better place than you found it. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Melissa Potter Ix, Will Johnson, Tom Atela, Marty Leibrock, James Dudley, Josh Price, Rakim McGraw, Francine Leiberman, Courtney Cordero, Mario Benito, and Courtney Weber
Dearest Wilkus family,
We were so sorry to hear of your dad's passing, but know he put up a good fight.
It was fun getting to know Frank through his friendship with mom when she moved into Madonna Towers. I will remember him often and the way he always chuckled with Tom about cleaning out the garage.
I hope you find peace and surround yourselves with each other, and friends that understand your loss.
You have our deepest sympathy....