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Watertown — Richard “Rick” Wilkins, 80, was taken home to heaven by his Savior on October 16, 2024.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday October 26, 2024 starting at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Watertown, WI with pastor Caleb Davisson officiating. Family and friends are invited for visitation starting at 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Immediately following the service a graveside service with military honors will occur at the Lutheran Cemetery in Watertown, WI. If desired, memorials can be given to St. John’s stained glass fund or Terra Ceia Christian School (4428 Christian School Road Pantego, NC 27860.) Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.hafemeisterfh.com.

Richard James Wilkins was born to parents Harold and Helen (Klein) Wilkins on March 27, 1944 in New London, CT. Rick graduated from Robert E. Fitch High School. At 17 he enrolled in the United States Airforce. He attended Fitchburg State College, the University of Massachusetts Amherst and then obtained his Non-counseling Psychology MeD degree. Richard married the love of his life, Sheila Kauffeld on April 28, 1996.

Most of his working life was with the military. From 1962 – 1965 he was a Crew Chief for the 48th Fighter Squadron Langley Airforce Base. He was on active duty during the Vietnam War and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He worked on testing nuclear submarines in Groton Ct. He was in the National Guard for 6 years. Rick ran the Army Community Services at Ft. Bragg and Yongsan, South Korea. He retired after 30 years of service to the military both in active duty and then as a GS employee for the Department of Defense (DOD) Army.

Rick loved God, his family, adventures and sailing. He was the man of the sea. He could navigate and read the wind, and tides, He loved to beach walk, snorkel, fish, swim and challenge the waves boogie boarding or body surfing. He obtained his Boating Power Squadron Captian’s certificate and was excellent in navigation by chart and in celestial navigation. He was an avid runner and loved to hike the mountains and woods. He enjoyed hunting and getting out into nature. He led by example and he taught those he loved to challenge themselves and to enjoy God’s creation. He travelled throughout the U.S., South Korea, the Caribbean and South America. Rick led with his heart. He was hardworking, honorable and responsible. He loved to laugh and was quick with comments and corny jokes. He will be deeply missed by his wife, children and grandchildren.

Rick is survived by his wife, Sheila Eileen Wilkins(Kauffeld); His children and grandchildren:. Mya Rose Wilkins (Bryan) Gill, Sayla and Maryna. Pastor Caleb Davisson (Christin) Davisson, Noah Claire and Ella. Callie (Derek Gilliam) Davisson, Joseph and Kai. and Cameron Davisson; brother Robert Wayne Wilkins as well as other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his infant twin daughters, Salah Ruth Wilkins and Naomi Helen Wilkins; parents Harold and Helen, brother Harold Wilkins Jr., Aunt Lucille Klein; Uncle Ray Klein.