Al Wilkison was born on December 19, 1947, in Slayton, Minnesota to George and Kathleen Olson Wilkison. He grew up on the family farm near Garvin and attended Tracy High School. Al enlisted in the United Sates Navy in July 1967 and served aboard the USS Gunston Hall on the Saigon River as a boiler mechanic. Following his honorable discharge in 1971 he returned to the Garvin area. On February 25, 1972, he and Nelda Alexander were married at Lake Sarah Lutheran Church in Garvin. Following their marriage, they made their home in the Garvin and Tracy area, raising their two sons. They later divorced. Al drove over the road truck for Midwest Coast, Schwan’s, Bongard Trucking and B&G. He retired in 2014. Due to failing health Al moved to Pipestone County Hospice House on September 15, 2026, in Pipestone, MN. He passed away there on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the age of 78. He was member of Lake Sarah Lutheran Church in Garvin. Al had a lifelong love of cars and a vast knowledge of mechanics. His passion for cars was more than a hobby-it was a true part of who he was. Al taught his sons about cars, engines and the value of hard work and dedication. Al enjoyed his hotrods and muscle cars especially his challenger (Hellcat and SRT8), his hot rod S-10. Al enjoyed spending time with his friend, Lois, and his sons and their families. His past time included spending time outdoors, collecting antiques, trail riding in his sideby- side, listen to 50’s and 60’s music and cars.
Survivors include his two sons, Andy and Kari Wilkison of Tracy, MN, and Robert and Sarah Wilkison of Baltic. SD, four grandchildren, Josh and Elly Wilkison, Alex Wilkison, Ana Wilkison and Garrett Wilkison, one great-grandson, Atlas Wilkison and Jarad Rykhus, two siblings, Patricia Defries and Ted Vershey of Breezy Point, MN, and Rodney and Jane Wilkison of Lynd, MN. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services were at Totzke Funeral Home in Slayton, MN on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Drake Snell officiating. The pallbearers were Robert Wilkison, Garrett Wilkison, Josh Wilkison, Alex Wilkison, Randy Klein, and Jarad Rykhus. Interment was at Slayton Memorial Gardens in Slayton, MN.
Visitation was one-hour prior to the services at the Totzke Funeral Home on Friday. To view online obituary and send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome. com
