Larry Graham Wilken

Larry Graham Wilken, of Staplehurst, was born on September 7, 1953 to Lawrence and Elva (Graham) Wilken in Seward, Nebraska. He was raised in rural Garland, and was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church. Larry attended Seward High School graduating in 1971. On September 30, 1972, Larry was united in marriage to Connie Naber in Utica, Nebraska. After High School, he apprenticed under and worked for his uncle as a plumber at Pflughaupt Plumbing and Heating.  Larry later bought the company, owning and operating Wilken Plumbing and Heating until his retirement in the Spring of 2021. Larry was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, recently celebrating his and Connie’s 50th wedding anniversary. He enjoyed time with his family, attending his grandchildren’s activities, watching and playing golf, spending time at the farm with his friends, and Monday afternoons at the Garland Legion.  Larry was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Staplehurst, serving as a trustee and head usher, the Staplehurst Volunteer Fire Department, Staplehurst Men’s Community Club, and he was a life member and a Gold Star Brother of the Seward VFW Auxiliary Post 4755. Larry was an inspiration to us all, courageously battling and beating cancer 3 times. Larry passed away on November 10, 2022 in Omaha, Nebraska surrounded by his family, at the age of 69 years, 2 months and 3 days. He is survived by his wife, Connie Wilken of Staplehurst, Nebraska; children, Tera (Mark) Dey of Gresham, Nebraska, Tatum Tonniges of Seward, Nebraska, Lyndsy (Brian) Schulz of Seward, Nebraska, Jonathon (Erin) Wilken of Seward, Nebraska;  grandchildren, Zachary Tonniges, Eden Schulz, Alex Tonniges, Jack Schulz, Mary Wilken and Jay Wilken; siblings, Priscilla (Rod) Thonen of Staplehurst, Nebraska, Deanna (Ken) Boyer of Garland, Nebraska, Daryl (Barb) Wilken of Seward, Nebraska, Dayle Wilken of Garland, Nebraska; nieces and nephews. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Elva Wilken; brother, Bryan Wilken; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Raymond and Mary Naber.

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