Our gentle and charismatic son and brother, Benjamin Dwane Wilken joined his maker on October 8, 2017 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. Ben was born in Springfield, to Darin and Lanie Wilken, on November 17, 1996. He was raised in a loving, adventure filled home, and as a child, always seemed on a mission to experience every aspect of life to the fullest. At Kickapoo High School, Benjamin was a multi-sport athlete with All-City honors in football. He was also a member of Missouri Boys State. Ben discovered a natural talent for volunteering with students with special needs, and could be found spending his free time at school interacting and mentoring his special friends. When not at school, he enjoyed spending time outdoors and could often be found off-roading in his trademark red Jeep or hammocking. Ben had a quick and genuine smile for everyone and especially connected with children, animals, and the elderly. Ben cherished working at SkyZone, particularly when he had the opportunity to assist kids with special needs. He was a hard worker and a valued employee of his friend, Brian, at Wehaulmo.com in Springfield. Above all, Benjamin had a deep love for his country and was passionate about his plans to serve in the Army this coming year. Ben was friendly, kind hearted, compassionate, and strong willed. He had his Dad’s pragmatic attitude and his Mom’s impassioned spirit. Ben and his big sister, Hanna, had a special bond, with a healthy mix of sibling love and competition, and he was Hanna’s biggest fan in life. His sense of humor, easy temperament, and fun-loving personality were uniquely Ben’s, and his presence will be missed more than words can describe. Benjamin is survived by his parents, Darin and Lanie Wilken, and sister, Hanna Wilken, all of Springfield. He is also survived by his grandparents, MaryLin Durk of Jefferson City, and Fred and Betty Wilken of Derby, Kansas, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and a lifetime of wonderful friends. Ben was welcomed into Heaven with open arms by his “Papa” Gary Durk of Jefferson City. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:30 P.M. on Saturday, October 14th at Campbell United Methodist Church, 1747 E. Republic Road in Springfield, MO. Memorial donations can be made to the Ben Wilken Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, PO Box 8960, Springfield, MO 65801. Credit card donations are also accepted at cfozarks.org/donate. Please choose “other” under gift designation and then enter Ben Wilken Memorial.