Michael J. Wilken

Michael J “Sluggo” Wilken passed away on Monday, August 25, 2025, in Oklahoma City, OK. Mike leaves behind a legacy of service to his country, community, church, family and friends. He lived life on his own terms and was stubborn to the end.

Mike was born in Hastings, NE on March 21, 1951. He spent his early life in Hildreth, NE before moving to Arapahoe, where he graduated as valedictorian of his class in 1969. After graduating from Arapahoe High School, he attended the United States Air Force Academy.

Following graduation from USAFA, he attended UPT at Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock, TX. He enjoyed a distinguished career flying F4s and A10s. He was a decorated war-time pilot flying A10s during Desert Storm and also served as a T-38 flight instructor.

After 28 years of active duty in the Air Force, he retired to Enid, OK, where he continued his love of teaching aviation students, serving as a sim instructor for an additional 15 years at Vance Air Force Base.

Mike was a member of The First Presbyterian Church, where he loved singing in the choir and playing the chimes. He enjoyed volunteering each week at Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, where he was affectionately known as “Egg Man”.

Mike is survived by his wife of forty years, Roslyn, his daughter Vicki Simpson (husband Thor), grandchildren Staser and Lucille, sisters Diane Deselms and Cheryl Nelsen, brothers Dennis Wilken and Jim Wilken, as well as many nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed by his sweet dog, Daisy Mae.

A service celebrating Mike’s life, including Military Honors, was held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at The First Presbyterian Church in Enid, OK.