Obituary for Keith Edward Wilkins

Keith E. Wilkins, 81, of Monona, Iowa passed away in his home on Thursday, July 27, from a heart attack following congestive heart failure. A private inurnment service will be held by the immediate family at a later date. Survivors include his wife Elaine Wilkins of Monona; two sons Leland “Lee” (Barbara) Wilkins of Aurora, IL and Bryan Wilkins and friend Ellen Kuriger. Also surviving are one sister Madonna Melcher of Decorah; two step-grandchildren Emily Isaacson (Bill Bradley) of Boynton Beach, Florida, and Jonathan Isaacson of Kisakata, Japan. His parents preceded him in death. Keith Edward Wilkins was born March 5, 1925 to Edward “Lee” and Mildred (Campbell) Wilkins in Linton Township near Volney. Keith graduated from Waukon High School in 1943 and married Elaine (Ball) Wilkins on November 27, 1946 in Monona, Iowa. Keith and Elaine farmed in Post Township and Farmersburg Township, and purchased their first farm in Grand Meadow in March of 1952. He retired in 1994 and moved to Monona. Keith was a Soil Conservation advocate and received several awards for his involvement. He was a blood donor and donated as much of his body as possible to medical science research. Keith loved spending time at Pike’s Peak, Effigy Mounds, and Monona Butterfly Garden.