Herbert Frederick Wilkerson

Wilkerson, Herbert, age 99, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025. Preceded in death by parents William and Margaret Wilkerson, wives Ruth and Ginny, and brother Bob. Survived by children Nancy (Rusty), Dan (Julie), David, 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Herb graduated from Marshall High School in Minneapolis. The day after graduation he was shipped to basic training for the Marines to serve in the World War II. Fortunate to never serve in combat, he played football and basketball for on-base teams, as entertainment for the troops. While small in stature, Herb lettered in football, basketball and baseball in high school; his high school friends were friends for life. He continued to coach and play sports throughout his life; he only stopped playing softball at age 90 after he tired of having to set his alarm to play. He jogged on his lunch break before running was considered a form of exercise, which he did until his 70's, when his doctors put him on blood thinners and cautioned him to stop. But until shortly before his death, he continued to walk for exercise. Herb met and married Ruth Grattan. They built a home in south Minneapolis and raised 3 children Nancy, Dan and David. The couple shared their values of hard work, persistence, integrity, and love of God and country. After Ruth's death in 2001, Herb planned to visit a lifelong friend, Will Herrington, in Portland, Oregon. But Will was too ill for company and died on the same day as Ruth, one year later. Lifelong friends of Will and his wife Ginny, Herb and Ginny became reacquainted, fell in love, and married. The couple divided their time between Oregon and Minnesota. Herb and Ginny spent countless hours watching sporting events, a mutual beloved pastime until her death. Herb was a 30-year employee for the city of Minneapolis, working in management at the concrete and asphalt plant. After retirement he worked as a condominium manager then purchased a condominium in Bloomington, Minnesota. Herb lived there until the fall of 2024 when he moved into an independent living facility. He gave up driving only last summer. Always one to lend a hand and do a favor, he helped others in his condo well into his 90's. Even as a resident in independent living, he helped pick another resident off the floor after there was a knock on his door requesting his assistance. Herb also worked a variety of volunteer jobs including calling bingo at the local Legion Post. He will be missed and remembered by many. Visitation is Wednesday May 21 at 2 p.m. followed by service at 3 p.m. at Orchard Path 5400-157th Street West, Apple Valley, MN. Private interment. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope Church, 7132 Portland Ave, Richfield, MN 55423 or https://www.thegiftedtree.com/memorial-gift-tree/ where contributions for trees will be used for planting in a national forest.

Tributes

Herbert Frederick Wilkerson

March 27, 1926 - May 3, 2025

Tributes

Herbert Frederick Wilkerson

March 27, 1926 - May 3, 2025

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