Joan Elaine Wilkens

Joan Elaine Wilkens (née Havel), of Waterloo, Illinois, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on November 7, 1951, in Belleville, Illinois, to Jean and Melvin Havel, Joan was the cherished and devoted wife of Tom Wilkens, her partner in life and love.

Joan’s life was a tapestry of joy, love, and service to others. She attended Signal Hill Grade School and Belleville Township High School West, where her natural beauty led her to model at Stix Baer & Fuller in St. Louis. She pursued higher education at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, where she studied Accounting—a career in which she thrived for over 25 years. Her dedication and professionalism shone as she became the President of the Illinois Independent Accounting Association.

Joan’s devotion to faith and community was the foundation of her life. A beloved member of Saint Michael's Catholic Church of Paderborn, St. Paul UCC Church of Floraville, and Homemakers Group Monroe County Floraville Unit, where she formed deep and enduring friendships, always offering kindness, understanding, and a helping hand. Her gentle spirit and open heart touched the lives of everyone she met.

In retirement, Joan found her greatest joy in nurturing those she loved. She was a gifted gardener, tending to her gardens with the same care and attention she gave to her family. Her passion for travel brought her to beautiful places, especially Hawaii, a place she and Tom loved to visit together. Whether cruising the open road with their Corvette friends or sharing quiet moments at home, every moment spent with family was precious to Joan.

Above all, Joan was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose love knew no bounds. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she was their constant source of support, cheering them on at school and sporting events, celebrating every milestone, and filling their lives with music, laughter, and warmth. Her home was a sanctuary where love flowed freely, and her grandchildren always knew how deeply they were cherished. In return, they adored her, reflecting back the love she so freely gave.

Joan’s strength was profound. She faced a rare and challenging battle with Uveal Eye Melanoma with the same courage and grace that defined her entire life. Her determination to live fully and love deeply remained unshaken, even in the face of adversity.

Joan’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her gentle spirit, her laughter, and her unwavering love have left an indelible mark on her family, friends, and community. She will be remembered as a beacon of kindness, faith, and resilience—a true example of what it means to live a life filled with grace, generosity, and love.

She leaves behind a family who adored her: Her devoted husband, Thomas Wilkens; loving children, Stephen Wilkens, Jeffrey Wilkens (Samantha), Lisa Sundling (Mike), and Tom Wilkens (Candiss); adoring grandchildren, Alex Sundling, Layne Wilkens, Maren Wilkens, Alice Wilkens, and Melvin Wilkens; loving mother, Jean Havel; beloved siblings, Joyce Williams (Skeet, Joan’s beloved childhood friend), Linda Benson (Bob), and John Havel (Ami); cherished extended family, Diane Tipton, Tom (Boomer) Phegley (Sheila), Dennis Phegley, and Thomas Phegley Jr. (Kaleigh); loyal dog gabby, who would not leave her side; and numerous friends.

She was predeceased by her loving father, Melvin Havel.

A celebration of Joan’s beautiful life will be held on Friday, November 29, 2024, 3-7 pm at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home. In honor of her loving spirit, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Saint Michael's Catholic Church of Paderborn or St. Paul UCC Church of Floraville in lieu of flowers.

“She had a heart that embraced everyone, and her love will continue to bloom in the gardens she tended, the family she cherished, and the memories that will be forever held dear.”