Katherine Eileen Wilkerson Kleinkopf, 89, of Danville, passed away Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at the Klein Center in West Burlington.
Eileen was born May 19, 1933, at her parents' home in rural New London. She was the daughter of Fred and Fern Stout Wilkerson.
She attended a one-room schoolhouse, Snyder, then went on to graduate from Danville High School in 1952. She was a member of the Shinar Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Pleasant Grove.
On April 11, 1954, she married Ralph Kleinkopf at the Shinar Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Pleasant Grove with Rev. James Garrett officiating; and they celebrated 68 years of marriage. After her children were all in school, she worked in the Human Resource Department at the IAAP for 26 years. Retiring February 28, 1995.
Eileen was family-oriented as she enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She had many memories of family gatherings growing up on the farm, which then continued at their home in Middletown. Eileen enjoyed playing cards (pinochle), which became a Kleinkopf family tradition. She made many quilts and fleece throws; along with quillows for the church missions. During the holidays, Eileen enjoyed baking Christmas cookies.
She is survived by her husband, Ralph Kleinkopf of Danville; two sons, Ronald (Mimi) Kleinkopf and family of Pine City, Minn., David (Peggy) Kleinkopf and family of Danville; two daughters, twins, Karolyn (Bill) Crawford and family of Winfield., Karen (Kirk) Soukup and family of Middletown; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one brother Fritz Wilkerson of Burlington.; and one sister, Becky (Terry) Rodeffer of West Burlington.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Fern Wilkerson; son, Mark; infant daughter, Kimberly, and sister, Janet Asmus.
According to Eileen’s wishes, cremation has been entrusted to Lunning Chapel.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 24, at Shinar Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Pleasant Grove. Rev. Shane McCampbell will be officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Following the service, inurnment will be at Burlington Memorial Park Cemetery, Burlington.
A memorial has been established for the Shinar Cumberland Presbyterian Church.