Dale Ross Wilkens

Dale Ross Wilkens passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 19, 2017 after a long courageous battle with lung cancer. Dale was born in Poplar, MT on March 22, 1955 to Walter and Eldris (Berg) Wilkens. His childhood was spent in Finley, ND with his two older sisters and younger brother. He went to college at the University of ND in Grand Forks, ND where he met the love of his life, Brenda Braun. They were married on September 10, 1977. Homes included Grand Forks, ND, Wilmar, MN, Watford City, ND and the past twenty years in AZ with his wife, 4 children, and 13 grandchildren. Dale was a devoted, dedicated, and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Dale was passionate about so many things. He was a dependable and loyal employee to those fortunate enough to experience the work ethic he displayed. He was known as the “Grillmaster” with skills to host like no other. His true passion was woodworking. He spent countless hours in his “garage” workshop crafting beautiful masterpieces for his family and friends. His legacy is seen in each and every piece he created. Dale is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Brenda; son Chad and his wife Jody and their daughters Erin and Allison; son Ross and his wife Christin and their twins Elyse and Hayden; daughter Katie Organ and her husband Jared and their children Tanner, Parker, Carson, Brightly, and Tatum; daughter Jenna Johnson and her husband Jeff and their children Bryson, Mckenzie, Lacey, and Westin; mother Eldris Wilkens; sisters Denise Wilkens and her daughter Anna and Deanna Wilkens; brother Dean Wilkens and his wife Becky and children Jason and Tyler. He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Wilkens. A Celebration of Life and viewing will be held Friday, February 24th from 6 PM – 8 PM at Horizon Funeral Care, 7510 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85207. A funeral service will be held Saturday, February 25th at 11 AM at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1244 S Power Rd, Mesa, AZ 85206. Donations may be made in his honor to a cancer charity of your choice.