Stephen Lawrence Wilkinson, 81, of Ottumwa died at 5:27 p.m. June 28, 2026 at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.
He was born July 22, 1944 in Ottumwa to Lawrence Perry and Audrey Ione Major Wilkinson. Steve married Linda Gobble in January 1968 and they later divorced.
Growing up in Eldon, he was baptized and grew up at Eldon Christian Church. Steve attended Cardinal High School, then served in the US Navy for 4 years having been stationed in Hawaii. Steve worked for Strother Construction and 30 years at John Deere Ottumwa Works, retiring in 1996.
He enjoyed fishing, ice fishing, deer hunting, mushroom hunting, and tending to his garden. Steve attended all kinds of concerts especially country and western. He also enjoyed going on Sunday drives, hosting happy hour, and having a fish fry on Labor Day weekend.
Surviving is his daughter, Tammie Dean (Tommy Miller) of Ottumwa; his companion, Sue Thomas of Ottumwa; siblings, Elaine (Gary) Burkamper of LeClaire, IA, Becky Whitlock of Missouri, Carmen (Rick) Baxter of Branson, MO, John (Robin) Wilkinson of Grimes; and his lifelong friend, Ronnie Thompson of rural Ottumwa.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Gregory Dean; siblings, Bill Wilkinson, Kay Lyon, Lexia Cedillo, LuAnn Sheesley, Tucker Wilkinson; and infant sister, Melia Wilkinson.
Visitation will be open at 10 a.m. Thursday July 2nd at Reece Funeral Home with family present to greet friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday July 3rd at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Mel Kendall officiating. Military honors will be conducted by Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars and O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion. Burial will be in Eldon Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Heartland Humane Society or Vista Woods Activity Fund.
