Ricky Lynn Wilkens, 68, of Ankeny, passed away Saturday, April 3, 2021, surrounded by loved ones.
Rick was born to Melvin and Genevieve (Maxey) Wilkens on Nov. 14, 1952, in Le Mars, Iowa, and graduated from West Sioux Community High School of Hawarden, Iowa.
Nicknamed “The Beacon,” Rick earned both his pharmacy and medical degrees with honors from the University of Iowa. After a residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals, he worked as an internal medicine physician at the Iowa Clinic in Des Moines. He was a well-respected and dedicated physician who was beloved by his patients and staff.
While Rick was a medical student, he met Rhonda Goodwin, a nurse at the University of Iowa Hospitals, and they were married in 1979.
Rick is survived by his wife: Rhonda of Ankeny; sons: Steve (Jamie) of Johnston and Jonathan of Des Moines; daughters: Heidi (Matthew) Lenaghan of Ankeny and Rachel of Englewood, Colorado; grandchildren: Rex, Cole, and Dessa; and brother: Terry (Kris) Wilkens of Brighton, Colorado.
He was preceded in death by daughter: Katie; son: David; and his parents.
Rick was a man of faith; he and his family were active members of Faith Lutheran Church in Clive, Iowa. Rick and Rhonda also took their family to Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp almost every summer for 30 years.
Rick loved music. A talented man, he sang and played guitar and piano. For many years Rick’s 92nd Street Band practiced in his basement every Wednesday night. He was also a member of an all-doctors’ band called The Specialists. He enjoyed building and racing soap box derby cars with his children.
His celebration of life will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Clive, Iowa on May 23, 2021, from 1-3 p.m. A short memorial service will occur at 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend. The address is: 10395 University Ave, Clive, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp.
