Dennis Wilken, 86, of Akron, Iowa, died on Friday, November 14, 2025, at his home in Akron.

Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Akron. Pastor Paula Damon will officiate. Burial with military honors provided by the Hoschler American Legion Post 186 of Akron will be at Riverside Cemetery in Akron. Visitation with the family present will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Akron. Visitation will resume from noon until service time on Monday at the church. Arrangements are with the Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Akron. Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.

Dennis Ray Wilken, the son of John and Delia (Koch) Wilken, was born on November 26, 1938, in Akron, Iowa. He grew up on a farm east of Akron. He attended country school in Plymouth County, Iowa, and later high school in Akron. He graduated from Akron High School.

Following high school, he began farming near Akron. He enlisted in the United States Army National Guard. He served in the guard for 6 years.

He was united in marriage to Marietta Day on December 14, 1963, at Nathaniel Lutheran Church in Alcester, South Dakota. They made their home on farm east of Akron. Marietta passed away on March 23, 2015. In 2018, he moved to Akron but continued to help his son on the family farm.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and the Hoschler American Legion Post 186 of Akron. He and Marietta enjoyed couples Card Club with lifelong close friends. He will be remembered for his sense of humor. He loved to laugh and to make others laugh. He was known for his funny "dad" jokes. He also enjoyed having coffee with his friends. He loved animals, especially his cats and dogs. His greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include a daughter, Denice (Joe) Dvorak of Vermillion, SD, and their children, Evan and Ainsley; a son, Troy (Kristi) Wilken of Sioux City, IA, and their children, Ryan and Kayte; a son, John (Mary) Wilken of Akron, IA, and their children, Dennis (Jennifer) Wilken and their children, Zeus, Emory, and Wren, Taeji Wilken (Tyler Sila) and their son, Oliver, and Alex (Brooke) Wilken and their children, Jordan and Aspen; a son, Daniel (Carrie) Wilken of Akron, IA, and their children, Emmalee and Paige; his sister, Sharon (Joe) Davis of Omaha, NE; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marietta; and several in laws.