Melvin L. Wilken, 89, of Armstrong, IL, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Born at home in Champaign County on July 23, 1937, Melvin was the son of Lammert and Anna (Blue) Wilken. He married Kathy Severins on July 25, 1964, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Gifford. She survives him.

He is also survived by his two sons, Darren (Daile Doman) Wilken of Gifford and David (Amy) Wilken of Armstrong; five grandchildren, Nathan (LeeAnn) Wilken, Tyler (Spencer) Wilken, Trey (Trenaty) Wilken, Justin Wilken and Katelyn Wilken; his brother, Mervin Wilken of Rupert, Idaho; his great-granddaughter, Emma Wilken; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Dale Wilken; his brothers, John and Elmer Wilken; and his sisters, Emma Rademacher, Marilyn Wilken and Mildred “Millie” Sage.

Melvin spent more than 55 years working as a farmer, backhoe operator and gravedigger, bringing a strong work ethic and a love of work to each role. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and had served as a volunteer firefighter with the Gifford Fire Department and Bluegrass Fire Protection District.  Melvin was also a member of the ORB Club in Gifford. A man of simple tastes, he enjoyed sitting in his garage with a cold beer, watching cars pass by, and driving around the area in his truck or side-by-side to see what was going on. He loved his family deeply and valued their place in his life.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Gifford, with funeral services immediately afterward at 11:00 a.m. He will be buried at Partlow Cemetery in Armstrong. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. The family has entrusted Blurton Funeral Home with arrangements to honor Melvin’s life.

Share memories or condolences with the family at www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com