Roger Louis Wilkening, age 76 of Edwardsville, IL, died Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL.

He was born on Saturday, August 20, 1949, in Edwardsville, IL, the son of August and Edna (nee Rode) Wilkening.

Roger was born and raised on the family farm in the NE Edwardsville area. He attended Edwardsville High school, graduating in 1967, then attended SIU-E graduating with an Accounting degree. Roger and his brother Don operated the family dairy farm for many, many years; after retiring from the dairy portion, they continued as grain farmers. Roger was previously active on the Board of Directors with Prairie Farms Dairy, NE Central Water District (Madison County), and with Hamel COOP. Roger was an active member of the Immanuel UCC-Hamel (where he was baptized and confirmed), Illinois Holstein Association, Farm Heritage Museum in Greenville, and very active in the Hamel Volunteer Fire Department. Some of Roger's many interests were history, especially a WWII history buff, watching western movies, attending tractor and farm shows as well as collecting many toy tractors and full-size ones. Roger had many friends and connections in the community and loved spending time with friends and his family.

Survivors include:
Brother - Alvin V. (Janet) Wilkening, Hamel, IL
Sister - Rose M. Olive, Edwardsville, IL
Nieces & Nephews - Many

He was preceded in death by:
Father - August William Wilkening (died 12/12/1973)
Mother - Edna Louise Wilkening, nee Rode (died 3/16/1992)
Brother - Donald Wilkening (died 3/24/2004)
Sister - Verla Cartwright-Donaldson (died 6/15/2017)
Sister - Bettie Head (died 7/29/2017)

Arrangements are being handled by Dauderman Mortuary in Hamel, IL.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Monday, January 12, 2026, at Immanuel United Church of Christ - Hamel in Edwardsville, IL and Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at Immanuel United Church of Christ - Hamel in Edwardsville, IL.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Edwardsville, IL., with Rev. Paul Burden, Immanuel UCC, officiating.

Interment will be at Immanuel Cemetery in Hamel, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel UCC Church or Immanuel UCC Cemetery-Hamel.