Harold W. Wilken

Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church. Harold was born on August 31, 1927 to Herman and Marie (Worthy) Wilken in Alton, Illinois. He had one sister, Ruth Behrmann, who preceded him in eternal life with Christ. Harold was baptized on September 18, 1927 and confirmed on March 17, 1940, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alton, Illinois. Harold spent his childhood in Alton, Illinois. He graduated from Alton High School in June, 1945, and immediately joined the U. S. Navy. Following his Navy service he attended Valparaiso University, graduating with a Bachelor of Electronic Engineering in 1951. He earned his Master's Degree in Electronic Engineering at St. Louis University in 1959. On April 19, 1952 he married Florence Mae Wilson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alton. Florence's uncle, the Reverend Gerhardt Schmidt, gave the sermon. Harold and Florence are blessed with two daughters; Susan (David) Ferguson and Diane (Charles) Swanson. They have five grandchildren: Joshua, Kathryn, and Jonathan Ferguson, and Michael and Danielle Swanson. Following graduation, Harold worked briefly at Olin Industries in East Alton. In 1953 he became employed at McDonnell Aircraft Company (later McDonnell Douglas). He worked in missile electronics designing guidance systems for missiles, most notably the Harpoon and Tomahawk in his later years. He was transferred to Titusville, Florida from 1967-1969 to finalize the design and start production of the Dragon Missile. He retired from McDonnell Douglas in February 1987. Harold, Florence, Susan and Diane lived in the Alton/Godfrey area for many years. They were members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Alton and Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church in North St. Louis County. Harold and Florence joined Zion Lutheran Church after moving to St. Charles in 1996. Harold has always served the Lord through work at the churches he attended. He served as congregation president, chairman of the Board of Elders, chairman of the Board of Directors, Sunday School Superintendent, and the Finance Committee. He enjoyed volunteering with the "Wednesday Guys", who made repairs and did other odd jobs for Zion's School. Harold has had a long time interest in music and was a choir director at two former churches. He sang in choirs since the third grade, including his time in the Navy where he sang with the "Blue Jackets" while in boot camp at Great Lakes, Illinois. Harold's hobby was model railroading and he always had an active railroad layout in his home. He loved to play cards, work crossword puzzles, and read the funny papers. Harold was called to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 18, 2009, where he now enjoys eternal life.