ULYSSES - Rodney Gail Wilkening, 60, of Ulysses, Kansas, died Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011 at Western Plains Medical Complex in Dodge City, Kansas.   

Rod served honorably in the United States Army, and practiced as a CPA while residing with his family in Ulysses, Kansas.

Rod is survived by his wife, Janice (Kruse); four children, Jami Nelson of Colorado Springs, Colo., Joni Farinacci of Grand Junction, Colo., Wes Wilkening of Charleston, S.C., and Jaci Wilkening of Columbus, Ohio; and three grandchildren.  Other survivors include two sisters, Carolyn Richmond and Carlotta Harris.  

Vigil service will be held Tuesday, Jan. 11,  at 7 p.m. at the Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ulysses, Kan.  Funeral mass will be held Wednesday, Jan. 12,  at 2 p.m. at the Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ulysses.  Interment will follow at the Ulysses Cemetery.

Friends may call Tuesday, Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses.  Memorial contributions may be given to the Dexter D. Harbour American Legion Post #79 or the United States Air Force Academy Association of Graduates in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS  67880.

(McPherson Sentinel)