Brian R. Wilken age 67 of Griffith, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday March 5, 2016 during a short battle with Lewy Body Dimentia with Parkinsonism. Brian was born at St. Margaret Hospital in Hammond to his loving mother and father Dorothy and Arnold Wilken on February 17, 1949.

Brian is survived by his loving wife Janet (nee Price) Wilken; children Steve (Kelly) Wilken, David (Wendy) Wilken, Wendy "Wee" Wilken, and by his grandchild Elliot Wilken.

Brian was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy Edna Wilken in Oct. 1995 and his father Arnold Maurice Wilken in 1957.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday March 9, 2016 at 4:00pm at White Funeral Home with Pastor Eric Kleinschmidt officiating. Burial will take place Directly at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL. on Thursday March 10, 2016 at 11:00am.

Friends may meet with the family on Wednesday March 9 ^th from 4-8:00pm at White Funeral Home located at 921 W. 45 ^th Ave. in Griffith.

Brian served as Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps. He served his country proudly and received a Purple Heart for his bravery when his rifle was shot out his hands and had to fight off an enemy with his bare hands. He was M.I.A. for about three weeks until another platoon found him and got him a medic for the wounds he suffered. Brian enjoyed fishing with his kids, working on and around the house. He loved planting flowers in the yard and organizing the garage and keeping it clean. Brian was retired from IBEW Local 1043 and Teamsters Local 142.

The family wishes that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Hospice of the Calumet Area.

For information, please call White Funeral Home at (219) 924-4100 or visit us at www.whitefuneralhomeofgriffith.com