Stan R. “Hooks” Wilken
- Service Date
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 31st, 2025,
at The Station, 2443 Wittenberg Road, New Baden, Illinois, starting at 3 PM
- Full Obituary
Stan “Hooks” Wilken, age 71, of New Baden, Illinois, passed away on January 18, 2025. Born on January 4, 1954, in Breese, Illinois, he was the son of the late Ben and Margaret Wilken (née Vollmer). Stan was known for his strong work ethic, his love of family, and his deep passion for the outdoors.
Stan was a beloved father, grandfather, and brother. He is survived by his two daughters, Megan (Cory) Swinney and Kathryn Wilken (Cody Woods), and his cherished grandchildren, Waylon, Tucker, and Jules Swinney, who lovingly called him “Papa Apple”.
He also leaves behind his siblings: Gene (Barb) Wilken, Rita (the late Jim) Goebel, Frank (the late Karen) Wilken, Ann Dillow, Jerome (Sharon) Wilken, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Stan became a member of Roofer Local Union No. 2 in 1978 and worked the majority of his career at Kehrer Bros. Roofing until his retirement in 2013.
Stan was a man who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed time spent outdoors, including hunting with his brothers. He spent his days surrounded by the love of his children and grandchildren, teaching them the art of fishing, the value of hard work, and the joy of spending time together. An avid tinkerer, he also had a passion for building and restoring Allis Chalmers WD45 tractors, a hobby that brought him great satisfaction and allowed him to share his knowledge and skills with those around him.
His generosity, quick wit, and mischievous sense of humor will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 31st, 2025, at The Station, 2443 Wittenberg Road, New Baden, Illinois, starting at 3 PM. Come share a story, laugh, and raise a glass in honor of a man who knew how to work hard and live life to the fullest.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Heart & Vascular Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, in Stan’s memory – though we are pretty sure he’d prefer you just tell a good, funny story in his honor. Donation Link: https://www.foundationbarnesjewish.org/give-heart or by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th St. Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.
