Stephen P. Wilkins, 71, of Morrison, IL, passed away on Friday, February 16, 2018, at Mercy Hospital in Rockford, IL.
Steve was born January 16, 1947, in Morrison, to Paul B. Wilkins and Beverly (Bielema) Summers. He was raised by Beverly and Eugene “Mick” Summers. He was educated in the Morrison School District. He married Margaret Bryan on April 21, 1967. He was a plant manager for Gate City Steel, he owned and operated his own painting business, and he retired from the Illinois Department of Transportation in 2015.
Steve was very passionate about sports, coaching, and officiating. He coached Paul’s Presto’s Baseball Team. He was an age group and high school track coach, as well age group and high school swimming coach for over 30 years. He also was an official for basketball, swimming, track, baseball, and softball.
He was actively involved in the politics of his community. He served on the Morrison City Council, Whiteside County Board, and the Sheriff’s Merit Commission. He was also the Whiteside County Democratic Central Committee Chairman. He was a member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Morrison and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Survivors include his wife, Margaret; his son Ron Wilkins of Fulton, IL; his three daughters, Tracy (Andy) Henson of Morrison, Tawny (Mike) Wiersema of Morrison, and Tara Wilkins of Sycamore, IL; four granddaughters; Christie and Allie Wiersema and Emily and Kate Henson, all of Morrison; father Eugene “Mick” Summers; sister Cindy Mayfield; brother Eugene Summers, Jr., all of Prophetstown, IL.
He was preceded in death by his mother and infant twin daughters, Mary and Margaret.
Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at McDonald Funeral Home, 1601 16th Avenue, in Fulton, IL.
Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Morrison, IL, with Father Slawek officiating.
Burial will follow at Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison, IL.
A memorial has been established by the family.