Barbara A. Wilksen

Barbara Anne Wilksen

August 28, 1947 - November 10, 2023

Barbara Anne Wilksen, née Wohrman, passed away at 76 years of age on November 10, 2023 from complications of kidney failure.  Born August 28, 1947 in Detroit, MI, Barbara was the eldest of 5 children.  Barbara moved with her family to Orange, CA in the 1950’s where she grew up playing with the neighborhood kids, swimming, being adored by her grandparents, and listening to The Beatles. Shortly after graduation, she began working at St Joseph’s Hospital of Orange, trained as an EKG and EEG technician.  She met and married Stanley James Wilksen in 1969 and they settled in Mission Viejo where they had two daughters.  The country life came calling and they moved their family to Nebraska in 1978 and, soon after, had a son.  Barbara joined the staff at Lincoln General Hospital as an EEG technician and later transitioned as a medical transcriptionist. 

They raised their children, nestled in the rural setting of Malcolm, NE, where they hosted friends and family for holidays, celebrations and weekend dinners.  With a philosophy of “The more, the merrier.”, her house was always a welcoming home.  Barbara embodied the meaning of the word “mom”;  she embraced her children, their friends, family friends old and new, and her grandchildren, all with open arms, compassion and sweet energy.  Her love language was food, and no one went hungry in Barb’s home.  Barb brought all of her loving qualities with her when she returned to life in Southern California in 2015.  She made fast friends with neighbors and reunited with family, providing a comfortable home, delicious meals and the warmth of her heart.  Her legacy and memory are preserved in the hearts of her family and friends who find themselves enriched by the receipt of her love and enduring influence to perpetuate kindness toward others.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Shirley, and her brothers Robert and William. She is survived by her husband, Stanley, children Jennifer (Sharyl, div.), Bethany (Rene), and James (Tanya), grandchildren Kristian, Rachel, Gabriel (Savannah), Taylor, and Lilianne,  her great-grandchildren, Keyni, Keziah, and Leo (arriving in December), her brothers, Rick (Vicki) and Larry (April), and dear extended family members.

A Celebration of Life gathering is being arranged for December 3, 2023, details will be shared with friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Barb’s supported charitable organizations, memorial recipient wilksen.home@gmail.com

PBS

Wounded Warrior Project

Alzheimers Association

Guide Dogs For The Blind

The Nature Conservancy

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

National Alliance to End Homelessness

American Red Cross

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