Joseph Wilkinson

Joseph “Joe’ Wilkinson, 82, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on Nov 23, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Joe lived a life defined by faith, service and devotion. He deeply loved his family and took great pride in the life he built with his wife of 62 years, Janice (Baker) Wilkinson. His belief in caring for other shaped both his personal life and his career. Joe spent many years in healthcare leadership including running Lutheran Hospital!

Joe was known for being kind, giving, loving, funny and endlessly faithful. He was proud of many things; His service to his country as a veteran, his career, his faith but nothing brought him more joy like his family, especially his grandkids.

Joe was also a “heck of an athlete” excelling in football and track at Dowling high school. He graduated with his master’s from Drake university. He carried that competitive spirit with him throughout his life. A loyal Hawkeyes fan, he never missed the changes to cheer them on.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Janice; his children, Brian (Erin), Kevin and Dana (David) Malfara and his grandkids, Zeke, Lilly, Rosie, Norah and Joseph.

He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, integrity and family devotion that will live on in all of our hearts.

A visitation will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church (7075 Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines, IA 50266) at 9:00 a.m. on , Saturday, December 13, 2025. A funeral mass will follow at 10:00 a.m.. Interment will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025,  at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery (34024 Veterans Memorial Dr, Adel, IA 50003) at 12:30 p.m.