Wayne Alan Wilkens63, of Ada, MN, passed away peacefully at his residence on August 3, 2024. Born on June 14, 1961 in Ada, MN to Betty and the late William “Willie” Wilkens, Wayne dedicated his life to his career as a carpenter, drywaller and farmer. 
Wayne began his career traveling the states for a telephone company and had the pleasure of building log homes with his friend Ted Anderson in the mid 80’s, including one for hockey player Dave Tippet. Once he settled in Ada, he focused on home building and finishing. Wayne was widely known for his exceptional carpentry skills, which he generously shared with countless families in Ada. His meticulous attention to detail in his work was something that caught the eye of many. He was always happy to share an ornament or piece of his fretwork, and pieces found their place in the Ada-Borup School and the Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, to name a few projects. Any project his children brought to him, Wayne tackled, always asking for exact measurements, preferred colors, and the type of wood to be used, and guaranteeing that every job was done perfectly, no matter how unusual.
When Wayne decided to hang up his stilts and sheetrock equipment, he focused on farming the Wilkens Family Farmland north of Ada. With his father, they raised wheat and soybeans and sometimes grew fun crops like “popcorn.” During the winter months, Wayne kept himself busy snowmobiling, ice fishing, and putting together large puzzles with a bowl of extra buttery popcorn. A game or two of ping pong in the garage also became a competitive affair. German chocolate cake was a must on his birthdays. Wayne’s children, and we’re sure many friends, have very fond memories of cranking up the stereo and rocking out to classic rock and 70’s music.
He leaves behind his beloved daughters Hayley (Brady) Coffield and Brandy (Brian) Miller and his beloved son Dylan Wilkens. Wayne also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren Iris, Livi, Sutton, Sander, Becker and Bowen, his sisters Pam Twells, Wanda (John) Rosenburger and Deb (Glen) Alexander and his beloved mother Betty. Wayne’s three dogs Jessie, Maggie and Lucy will miss his belly rubs and treats.
Wayne’s father Willie and his nephew Jake died before him.
Funeral service: 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 9, 2024, Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN.
Visitation: One hour before the service begins in the church.
Funeral: Lockhart Pleasant View Cemetery, Lockhart, MN.
Please see our guestbook and share your condolences online at www.fredriksonfh.com
Arrangements with Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Homes in Ada & Halstad, Minnesota
