John L. Wilkey CPCU, age 77 of Coon Rapids and Alexandria, passed away on Monday, January 1, 2018 at Park River Estates Care Center in Coon Rapids.

John was born in East Alton, IL on December 26, 1940, the only child of Louis and Mary Wilkey.  When he was a young child, his family moved to St. Paul, MN. There he met and grew up with his lifelong friend and future brother-in-law, Dan Berke.  He graduated from St. Paul Central High School where he played hockey.  Following graduation, he attended the University of Colorado, Boulder where he skied himself out of school.  He would go on to graduate from St. Cloud State University with a degree in PolySci.  John proudly served in the Army National Guard from 1963 to 1969 as a helicopter mechanic.  He was proudly employed by State Farm Insurance for 38 years, where he earned his CPCU designation.

John and Sandy were married on February 25, 1967 and had two children, Susie and Rob.  The joys of his life were his grandchildren, Alex, Paige and Jay.  He was dedicated to supporting the activities of his children and grandchildren.

John enjoyed spending time with family and friends, being on the water, hunting, fishing and golf. His most cherished times were watching the sunset over Lake Mary with his family and a cold beer while toasting "ole'".

We would like to sincerely thank the dedicated staff at Park River Estates Care Center for their compassionate, loving care of JW for the last 5 years as he battled Huntington's Disease.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Mary Wilkey; and nephew, Michael Rinde.  He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sandy (Rinde) Wilkey; children, Susie and Scott Anderson, Rob and Amy Wilkey; grandchildren, Alex and Paige Wilkey, John (Jay) Anderson; sister-in-law, Karen (Dan) Berke; brother-in-law, John (Carol) Rinde; also many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home, 13817 Jay Street NW, Andover.  Visitation one hour prior to the service (1:00 - 2:00 p.m.)  Private Interment.

Memorials are preferred to the family, to be donated to the Huntington's Disease Center of Excellence.

Arrangements entrusted to Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home of Andover (763) 767-7373.