OCONTO --?John Thomas "Johnny" Wilkens, 83, died July 26, 2007 at his ranch near Oconto.

He was born April 14, 1924, to Hans J. and Martha (Labs) Wilkens in Hitchcock County.

He attended school in rural Hitchcock County and later worked at various jobs.

On May 28, 1949 he married Wilma E. Cantin at Benkelman.

He was a lay speaker for the Baptist Church and a member of the Nebraska Farm Bureau.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother and several step-brothers and step- sisters.

Survivors include his wife, Wilma of Benkelman, daughter Janet and husband, Todd Latta of St. Paul, and Lana and husband John Webster of North Platte; and four grandchildren.

Funeral services were Monday at the Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman with Johnny Walker officiating. Burial was in the Benkelman Cemetery.

Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman was in charge of arrangements.