Cover photo for Keith Wilkinson's Obituary
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1926 Keith 2022

Keith Wilkinson

July 17, 1926 — September 27, 2022

Red Wing and Mesa, AZ

Keith Wilkinson, age, 96, died September 27, 2022, in Mesa. Arizona.  Keith was born in Madelia, Minnesota on July 17, 1926, to Earl and Goldie Wilkinson.  He attended school in Truman, Minnesota graduating in 1944.  He enlisted in the Navy and served in Okinawa in World War II.  On August 7, 1948, he was united in marriage to Jean Routh.  After his discharge he enrolled in Mankato State University graduating in 1949, with a Bachelor of Science degree. He later obtained his Masters of Education.

He began his teaching career in Gruver, Iowa where he taught Industrial Arts and coached basketball.  In 1953, he joined the staff at St. James High School in St. James, Minnesota.  He taught Physical Education and coached several sports and then went into school administration at the St. James Junior High School.

In 1968, he moved to Red Wing, Minnesota as an Assistant Principal overseeing the construction of the new junior high school.  When the building was completed in 1969, he became principal at the new Twin Bluff Junior High School.  He later transferred to Central High School in Red Wing as the Senior High School Principal in 1978.  After 38 years in education, he retired on July 1, 1987.

Keith was a member of United Lutheran Church where he had served as an usher and on the board.  He was also a member of the Libanus Lodge #96, Red Wing Elks Lodge #845, Kiwanis of Red Wing and the Leo C. Peterson American Legion Post #54.

Keith is survived by his wife, Jean of 74 years; daughter, Terri (Lorin) Westman; two sons, Gregory (Nicolle) and Jason (Becky) Wilkinson; grandchildren, Laurie Huotari, Adam and Aaron Westman, Christopher Wilkinson, Forrest and Gavin Wilkinson; 11 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  Keith was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Harriet Senesac.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service.  Burial will be 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Assembly Lane #2.  Memorials preferred to United Lutheran Church, Red Wing Public Schools Foundation or donors choice.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Keith Wilkinson, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)

Mahn Family Funeral Home

, Red Wing, MN 55066

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Memorial Service

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)

Mahn Family Funeral Home

, Red Wing, MN 55066

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Interment

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Starts at 9:45 am (Central time)

Fort Snelling National Cemetery

7601 34th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55450

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