Dean Wilkerson Obituary

Dean Wilkerson

Dean Wilkerson, 86, of Findlay, passed away peacefully at his home Friday, March 28, 2025. He was born to the late Edward and Ives (Harper) Wilkerson July 5, 1938, in Kenton. He was a 1956 graduate of Kenton High School. Dean married Susan M. (Tebbe) Wolfe on August 7, 1982.

Dean is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Susan; daughter, Wendy Cole (Doug); son, Jonathan Wilkerson (Diana); daughter, Laura Walter (Bo); stepdaughter, Marne Keeler (Matt); stepsons, John Wolfe (Marty) and Butch Wolfe (Kasie Roberts); brothers-in-law, Mark Tebbe (Mary Lou), Joe Tebbe (Denise-deceased), John Tebbe (Sue), and Jim Tebbe (Darlene); sisters-in-law, Amy Tebbe, Mary Wilkinson (Gary), Margaret Foster (Mike), and Anne Pahl (Ned-deceased), nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, William (Donna), Norman (Mildred), Carl (Jean), and Lowell (Evelyn); his sister, Phyllis (Jim) Bender; his son, Brian Wilkerson; and in-laws, Jim (Louise Freytag) Tebbe.

Dean grew up with a deep connection to farming and John Deere tractors, which began as a boy when he helped with the family farm west of Kenton. He continued with his own farm near Forest for many years and worked closely with his brother and best friend, Bill. After his "retirement" from farming, he was often found working ground with his stepson, John. Dean had a very strong work ethic that was evident on his farm and also in his other career as a machinist specializing in tool and die. He worked over 25 years at Ball Metal in Findlay where he met his wife Sue, which was his favorite part of working at Ball. While working for Ball Metal he had an opportunity to be part of a small, highly skilled team that helped set up and fine tune the tool and die shop in a new plant in Germany as well as a plant in Denver, Colorado.

After retirement from Ball Metal, Dean and Sue traveled around the United States, pulling their camper and visiting places such as Maine, Wisconsin, Illinois, Florida, Michigan, and Texas. Their favorite spot became Winesburg, Ohio, where they met precious friends and developed a love of the Amish people and food!

Dean was a loving husband, father, and friend. All who knew him will miss his wisdom, humor and kindness. He will be especially missed by his 14-year-old Jack Russell terrier, Lily, who was a constant companion.

Visitation will be for family and friends from 10-12 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home. Funeral service will begin promptly at 12 p.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home with Father Melwyn Menezes officiating. Private burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be shared, in Dean's name, with City Mission of Findlay or Heifer Foundation.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com.