Eugene P. Wilkens, age 85 of Freeport, IL, passed away at home on Saturday, September 23, 2017. He was born May 14, 1932 in Shannon, IL; the son of the late Joseph and Hazel (Allen) Wilkens. He married Judy King on August 7, 1966 in Dixon, IL.

Gene started farming when he was 11 years old. He later owned his own trucking business and hauled milk, cheese and cattle for 14 years. After their marriage, he retired from trucking and they took over the family farm in 1967. He was a member of the Cedarville Baptist Church in Cedarville, IL.

Gene enjoyed roller-skating in his younger years. He also enjoyed traveling, singing karaoke, going to steam shows, eating candy, and telling stories. He loved dancing and was known as "Gene Gene the dancing machine." He would show pigs at the fair with his children and loved going to parades. He attended the Shannon Homecoming Parade for 85 years. Most of all, Gene loved spending time with his family especially his grandkids and great grandkids.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Wilkens of Freeport; children, Eugene "Geno" (Marj) Wilkens Jr. of Freeport, Steven (Becky) Wilkens of Ceresco, MI, Curtis Wilkens of Freeport, Kimberly Wilkens of Freeport, Kenneth (Jackie) Wilkens of Monroe, WI, Keith (Deanna) Wilkens of Phoenix, AZ, and Kevin (Tina) Wilkens of Shannon; 19 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; adoptive son, Randy Baker of Freeport; and his dog, Jake. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Joann Benge.