Thomas Wilkinson, Jr.

Thomas J. Wilkinson, Jr., 86, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 8, 2020. A Celebration of Life will be held when the pandemic is over and we can travel, gather and hug without danger and fear. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Survivors include his wife of nearly 60 years, Alice Wilkinson; sons, Thomas L. Wilkinson and his special friend, Hillarie and David H. Wilkinson and his wife, Mindy; and grandchildren, Mitchell, Ryan, Lauren, and Nicole. Tom was born July 20, 1934, in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Thomas J. and Martha (Lusk) Wilkinson, Sr. He grew up in Cedar Rapids, attending school at Johnson Elementary and Franklin and Roosevelt High Schools. Tom left high school early so he could attend Coe College where he studied psychology and received his Bachelor of Science degree. He went on to attend law school at the University of Iowa before being drafted into the Army after his first year. Tom's stint in the Army was short due to an injury, so he returned to Cedar Rapids and worked as a claims adjuster for Iowa National Mutual Insurance Company. In the summer of 1958, he met Alice Tushaus during a family trip to Missouri. They married on September 5, 1960, in Moberly, Missouri. One of their first homes was at UI in a Quonset hut that was left over from the war. These meager beginnings laid a strong foundation for their life together. Tom and Alice raised two wonderful sons, Tommy and David. They will remember Tom for his gentle kindness and willingness to help anyone. Tom went back to law school at Iowa, graduating in 1962 with his Juris Doctorate. He maintained a private practice for nearly all of his career. In 1963, he was appointed an Assistant Linn County Attorney. Tom focused his work on estate planning, corporate law, and real estate. He was passionate about renewable energy and did the legal work for several Hydro projects. Tom was a longtime member of the Rotary Club of Marion-East Cedar Rapids and formerly Cedar Rapids West. He led the clubs' student exchange programs for many years. He and Alice hosted students from over 15 countries in their home for Rotary and Friendship Force. Over the years, they traveled to many parts of the world, including Egypt, Russia, and many European countries. Tom was a member of the American Bar Association, the Iowa Bar Association, American Legion Post 298, as well as Rotary. In his free-time he loved spending time with his family, teaching himself German and studying the history of World War II.