Dr. Jack Dale Wilkinson, Sr.

Jack Wilkinson was born in Ottumwa, Iowa on January 27, 1931. He died September 3, 2018. He lived a full and rich life.

Jack graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1948. He completed his undergraduate degree in 1952 and graduate degree in 1958 from Iowa State Teachers College (ISTC).  Dr. Wilkinson earned his Ph.D. in 1970 from Iowa State University.

June 7, 1953, Jack married Carole Johnson, which he said was the best contract he ever made.  Jack and Carole had five children; Jack, Laura (Jeffrey) Flicker, Jane (David) Brandt, Walt (Karen), and Martha Beth. Their grandchildren; Jaci Wilkinson, Sidney and Max Flicker, Robin, Tracy and Clare Brandt, Josh (Nicki) and Jeremy (Bethany) Wilkinson, and Zachri (Amelia) Volgarino. Nine great grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Dr. Wilkinson began his teaching career at Aplington Community Schools. He then taught at Beloit (WI) Junior High School, La Habra High School, and Fullerton Junior College in California.  He returned to his alma mater in 1962 as a member of the Mathematics Education Department at SCI which later became the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). Jack was passionate about UNI and the Panthers.  He retired in 2011.

During his professional career, he worked diligently improving educational practices.  Under the auspice of the Iowa Council Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM) and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) he wrote curriculum at all education levels. He networked locally, nationally and internationally consulting, conducting  workshops, and presenting at conferences. Jack was dedicated to improving mathematics education at all levels.

His teaching and scholarship was recognized by his colleagues and he was awarded The Case and the Ross Nielson Award in 1990.  Jack was elected to the UNI Hall of Fame for his service to the university.  He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the ICTM , and the Service Director of NCTM from 1981-1984.  As the NCAA representative to UNI, acting as president of the Missouri Valley Conference in 1998.

Jack was a member of the Rotary Club, he seldom missed a luncheon meeting.  He was member of the PAUL HARRIS FELLOWSHIP.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Pansy; father, Lester; step father, Larry; and son, Jack.

The service for Dr. Wilkinson will be at 1:30 pm, November 10th, at the Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home, 1825 West 12th St, Cedar Falls, Iowa.  A celebration of life will follow at the Pheasant Ridge Club House, 3205 West 12th St. All who knew Jack are welcome.

Memorials may be directed to the William Lang Education Fund, the UNI Scholarship Athletic Fund, or an organization of your choice .