Alvin Tilkens

Alvin Joseph Tilkens, age 85, was born to eternal life on June 1, 2025. Born on October 3, 1939, in Green Bay, Al was the son of Raymond and Hilda (Vanden Langenberg) Tilkens. Al married his beloved wife Nancy November 11, 1961, and celebrated 63 years of marriage.

Al had a passion for music that was undeniable. He taught himself to play the trumpet and even played drums in the Tom Kiley Orchestra. Music was a vital part of his life, bringing joy to both him and those around him. He worked diligently as a machine operator in the paper mill, proudly serving at Straubel Paper and Proctor and Gamble, where he retired from. Al had a strong work ethic that he passed along to his children and grandchildren.

Al had a special affinity for Buicks, and he was proud to still have one in his garage. Traveling was another passion of Al’s, especially when it came to exploring places like Hawaii and Germany with his beloved wife, Nancy. They created many cherished memories together throughout their travels. He was an avid Brewers fan and watching them on TV was one of his favorite pastimes. Al was also a man of deep faith—he prayed the rosary regularly and played a key role in the local pro-life movement, reflecting his commitment to his belief that life on earth begins at conception and ends in natural death.

He was known as a people person, often gathering with a lunch group of dear friends to share laughs and stories.

Al is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Tilkens; children: Debbie (Jim) Wachholz, Dan (Colleen) Tilkens and Tina (Joe) Biese; grandchildren: Adam Wachholz, Natasha (Aaron) Cox, Heaven (Colin) Scherkenbach, Ashton (Katie) Wagner, Alexa (Brian) Eichinger and Colton Biese; 9 great-grandchildren (plus one on the way); sister, Joanne (Jim) Raymaker; Nancy’s siblings: Terry (the late Henry) Renn, Larry (Jean) Hockers and the late Sue (Pete) Jacobsen; as well as nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Al was preceded in death by his grandson, Brian Wachholz; siblings: Dolores (Ron) Paikowski and Vernon Tilkens.

Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N Webster Ave, De Pere, on Monday, June 9, from 4-7pm. A parish prayer service will conclude the evening. Visitation will continue on Tuesday at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 130 St. Matthew Street, Green Bay, from 10:00am until 10:45am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am with Fr. Bob Kabat officiating. Entombment will follow in Allouez Chapel Mausoleum.

Donations in memory of Al may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to support the local pro-life movement.

Our family would like to thank the St. Vincent Cancer Center, as well as Dr. Pritzl and Dr. Paul “AJ” Baillargeon for the wonderful care they afforded to Al.