Claris Dean Wilkinson

Claris D. Wilkinson, 80, of Grand Island, died Friday, November 22, 2013 at the Nebraska Veterans Home in Grand Island.

Memorial Services will be 2:00 P.M. Wednesday at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island. The Rev. Bob Rhodes will be officiating. Memorials are suggested to the family in lieu of flowers.

Mr. Wilkinson was born on September 13, 1933 at Ansley, Nebraska, the son of Jesse and Mary (Grobe) Wilkinson. He graduated from Ansley High School in 1951.

He entered the United States Army March 20, 1953 serving during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged March 14, 1956 with the rank of Corporal.

He was united in marriage to Darlene Linden on August 2, 1956 at Loup City, Nebraska. He had been a resident of Kearney and Litchfield, Nebraska and Casper, Wyoming prior to moving to Grand Island in 1960. He was employed by the Bureau of Reclamation as a Civil Engineering Technician for 36 years. He retired in 1989.

He enjoyed watching TV, playing cards, and listening to music. He loved his dogs.

Survivors include sons, Randall Wilkinson of Grand Island, Dennis Wilkinson, of Elba, Nebraska, David Wilkinson of Grand Island, Nebraska; daughter, Melissa Wilkinson of Silver Creek, Nebraska; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Margaret Smith; and daughter, Debra (Wilkinson) Lautenschlager.