Dennis E. Wilkerson
July 23, 2021
Dennis Wilkerson, 63, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, July 23, 2021. He was born in Des Moines on November 8, 1957, to Lester and Betty Wilkerson.
Dennis graduated from East High School, Class of 1976. He retired from AE Dairy after more than 30 years of service.
His greatest passion in life was photography. He enjoyed 30+ years of photographing events such as youth sports and weddings. Dennis also volunteered for Ankeny Little League for over 20 years and was recently recognized by the organization naming field 8 in his honor.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Julie Wilkerson; son, Jeff (Brandi) Wilkerson, daughter, Jenna (Cole) Haefner; granddaughter soon to come, Claire Haefner; step-grandsons, DeRon and Devon; brother, Mike Wilkerson; as well as his niece, nephew, great-nieces and great-nephews.
A memorial visitation will be held from 5-8 PM on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a cause close to his heart.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
David Richards
08/21/2021
Dennis and I were friends at East High School. We played basketball together and had a lot of fun . I moved to San Diego during my high school years. Dennis is a wonderful guy who I know will be missed.
Linda James
08/20/2021
Dear Julie and family, I've been trying to get ahold of you to offer my condolences. I remember when you unselfishly gave him one of your kidneys! Sorry for the delay in timing, I didn't know how to get in touch. I offer you my prayers! I didn't actually know Dennis, but from knowing him through you, I know he was a fine man.
Shelley Hull-Franko
07/28/2021
Julie, Mike and family, I'm sorry to hear of the passing of Dennis. I will never forget getting to work as his "assistant" while photographing a wedding. Lots of laughs when we all hung out together. Sending prayers and hugs.
Diane Eisenlauer Ellis
07/28/2021
Dear Julie, Mike & famy I was so sorry to hear of Denniss passing. I have great memories from our old days boating at Saylorville. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda and Ric Carlson in Oregon
07/27/2021
Dear Julie, Jenna, Jeff and Mike. We are so sorry to hear of Dennis's passing. What a good and kind man he was! His legacy of good lives on his children and grandchildren. We are so fortunate to have known him!
Hugs and prayers to you all.
Dennis Hill
07/26/2021
Julie, I am sorry to hear of Denniss passing. I wish you well.
Alan Schneider
07/26/2021
We're so sad to hear about Dennis. I worked with him for 30 years at AE Dairy and everyone could count on him for help whenever needed. What a great guy he was. We had some great times water skiing when we were much younger. So sorry for your loss Julie, Jeff and Jenna.
Kimberly Sloan Wells
07/26/2021
This is very sad news. Dennis was an all-around great guy. I attended high school with him and would occasionally run into him on the east side of Des Moines across the years. He took my sons senior photos in 2000. Forever our Prom King. Be at peace Dennis . My prayers to the family.
Jeanne Plager Harrison
07/25/2021
Julie, Jeff, & Jenna, I can't imagine your heart break at this. So sudden and unexpected. I have loved working with all of you and getting to know the entire family - even the furry ones. Dennis was a wonderful man that left a very positive mark on our world. Please let me know of anything I might do to help and support you. I will miss him.
ANN HERRING
07/25/2021
Julie and family, The news of Dennis' death came as a shock. I am so sorry for your loss.
Donna Gruis
07/25/2021
I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Dennis passing. Julie, Jeff and Jenna I am sending you love and hugs and holding you all in my heart.
Michael and Lynn Clement.
07/25/2021
Dear Julie and Family,
So sorry for your loss. Michael had great memories of plumper working at AE. One of our fondness memories is when we let Plump borrow the Corvette to take the kids for a ride, he was so excited. We will keep you all in our prayers
Kevin Bullington
07/25/2021
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Dennis. Several of us at AE shared many many laughs with Dennis! What an all around great guy!
James Sandin
07/25/2021
My sincerest condolences to the Wilkerson family, and all who mourn his passing. Dennis ("Wilk") was a childhood friend with whom I recently became reacquainted. I will miss, and be forever thankful for having known this good man. God bless all.
Vicki King
07/25/2021
Julie and family, Plumper will always be in my heart. What wonderful memories I have of softball games and trips to tournaments. So sorry, Bruce and I will have you in our thoughts.