Robert Wilkison

Robert Wilkison, 64, of Altoona, Iowa, quietly passed on January 18, 2022, while in hospice care. He was born in Des Moines, Iowa to Robert E. and JoAnne Wilkison. Robert was a life-long resident of Iowa and a graduate of East High.

Robert was an avid fan of NHRA and NASCAR. He also enjoyed attending vintage car and race events. In his youth, he owned a 1974 Ford Van that he named “Tequila Sunrise”, a 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe, a 1997 Ford Mustang Convertible, a 1981 Ford Truck, and a 1984 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible. He always joked that FORD stood for… Fix or Repair Daily.

Robert always believed in heaven, a belief that his grandma Margaret instilled in him as a young boy. As he aged and experienced life, his perception of heaven never wavered. He knew without a doubt, that one day, he would be reunited with his father, grandparents, and other family members and friends. Robert recently said to Susan… “If I die and find out there’s no heaven, I’m going to be very disappointed, then he paused and said… but I know that there is.”

Robert was a very dedicated employee and worked for many years in the glass and lumber industries. He retired in 2019, but continued to stay as active as possible with his MS limitations.

Robert has known life-long friendships and he was filled with joy during his recent visits with them at home, both in person and on the phone, sharing memories and fun times.

Family members include his wife, Susan Wilkison; mother, JoAnne Wilkison; sister, Roberta; niece, Sierra Gilbert and aunt, Linda Cline. Robert was preceded in death by his father and both his paternal and maternal grandparents.

The family requests that masks be worn during visitation.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 30, 2022, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave. in Des Moines. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday morning at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Please wear a mask out of respect for the family and others.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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