Dean Wilkerson

Dean Wilkerson, 86, of Findlay, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, March 28, 2025. He was born to the late Edward and Ives (Harper) Wilkerson, on July 5, 1938 in Kenton, OH. 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),  step-daughter, Marne Keeler (Matt), step-sons, John Wolfe (Marty), and Butch Wolfe (Kasie Roberts), brothers-in-law, Mark Tebbe (Mary Lou), Joe Tebbe (Denise-deceased), John Tebbe (Sue), Jim Tebbe (Darlene), sisters-in-law, Amy Tebbe, Mary Wilkinson (Gary), Margaret Foster (Mike), Anne Pahl (Ned-deceased), 9 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 that began as a boy as he helped with the family farm west of Kenton. He continued for many years with his own farm near Forest and worked closely with his brother and best friend, Bill.  After his "retirement" from farming, he was often found working ground with his step-son, John. Dean had a very strong work ethic that was evident on his farm and also, 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, CO.

After retirement from Ball Metal, Dean and Sue traveled around the United States pulling their camper and visiting such places 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. His wisdom, humor and kindness will be missed by all who knew him. He will be especially missed by his 14 year old Jack Russell terrier, Lily who was a constant companion.

Visitation will be held for family and friends from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin promptly at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home with Father Melwyn Menezes officiating.  A 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 the Heifer Foundation.

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

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Dean Wilkerson, please visit our Tree Store.