Howard Dwayne Lenker, age 82, of Wilton, passed away Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Wilton Retirement Community. A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Friday, July 3, at Bentley Funeral Home, Wilton. A visitation was held from 1-2 p.m., prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial with military honors took place in Oakdale Cemetery, Wilton. Memorials may be made to the Wilton Historical Society or Grace United Church of Christ, Wilton. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.
Dwayne was born on May 19, 1944, the son of Howard and Hallie (Gill) Lenker. He graduated from Wilton High School with the Class of 1962 and continued his education at Muscatine Community College before being drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War.
Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Dwayne returned home and dedicated himself to the family farm, where he worked until 1984. He later began a career with the United States Postal Service in Wilton, faithfully serving the community until his retirement. He also took great pride in serving as the sexton of Oakdale Cemetery in Wilton.
Dwayne had a deep appreciation for local history and was an active member of the Wilton Historical Society, where he spent many enjoyable hours at the Historic Depot. He especially loved learning about and sharing the history of railroads and trains, finding great satisfaction in preserving the stories of the community he called home.
Dwayne will be missed by a sister, Shelby Parks of Moline, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dwayne was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Hallie; five sisters, Dorothy and Merle Plett, Mildred and Albert Gregory, Doris and Ron Martin, Ruby Lenker and Carol and Les Kuehl; and one brother-in-law, Duane Parks.
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