Victor Lee Wilkinson, age 65, was born in Hutchinson on December 30, 1959, and passed away suddenly on July 2, 2025, from a heart attack.
Victor attended both Haven and Buhler Public Schools. He graduated from Buhler High School a semester early to work at Consolidated Manufacturing. There, Victor rebuilt car engines for 18 years, first on the assembly line and later managing quality control.
On July 29, 1994 he married Angela Lindahl. They shared over 30 years of love, laughter, common interests, projects, and unique experiences.
While working at Consolidated, Victor observed his wife’s love of teaching and wanted to pursue having a classroom of his own. After the birth of his son, he became a stay-at-home dad for two years. During this time, Victor also earned his Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and started his Master’s degree at Wichita State University.
In 1997, Victor started his teaching career in 5th grade at Avenue A Elementary in the Hutchinson school district. He later enjoyed working with second graders at McCandless Elementary. Victor most recently taught 7th and 8th grade science at Prairie Hills Middle School.
Victor started an archery club in Hutchinson schools and then later at Prairie Hills Middle School. With fellow science teacher Shelly Brooks, he also launched the Bee Club—making Prairie Hills the first school in Kansas to receive a grant from the Kansas Honey Producers.
Victor happily spent long hours cultivating an outdoor learning environment across from his middle school. He dug a pond, installed bridges, created trails, and planted thousands of wildflower seeds. Victor also enjoyed taking students on field trips to Fort Riley and Kanopolis Lake to enjoy nature and hunt for reptiles and amphibians. All of these activities provided unique opportunities for many children.
Victor’s family appreciated his sense of humor and willingness to help others. This has been reflected in comments made by his colleagues, students, and their parents. Knowing that people outside Victor’s family recognized the contribution he made has been heart-warming to those that loved him.
He completed his 27th year of teaching this May. The upcoming school year was to be Victor’s final year in the classroom. He had recently set his retirement date for June 2026 so he could be outside all day/every day, and have more time to complete the projects on his “Before We Get Old” to-do list that he had recently posted on the back of the family’s pantry door.
Victor’s work ethic was something to behold. He worked long hours on many projects and enjoyed the pleasure of a job well done. Amazingly, many of Victor’s projects were not on his own land or for himself, but for the good of others. He was generous with his time and energy. Victor was a quiet leader who did things for his community “because they needed to be done.”
He loved the outdoors and learning new things. Victor spent a great deal of time planting, growing and cultivating ecosystems, and planning things that would benefit wild animals and the students in his classes.
His love of living things led him to many hobbies, such as herpetology, beekeeping, falconry, bonsai, and collecting unique plants.
Victor was extremely proud of his family and they adored him. His presence will be greatly missed by his wife, Angela Wilkinson, and their two children, Garrett Wilkinson of Boston, MA, (Olivia Zhao) and Brecken Wilkinson of Manhattan, KS (Connor Peak), and his many animal companions.
Other surviving family members include: sisters Shelly Cole (Brannon), Shawna Keller (Darren), Angela Holoubek Albright (Brent), and brothers Tim Wilkinson (Blythe), and Shannon Wilkinson (Jennifer), and many nieces and nephews.
He also loved being a son-in-law to Becky and Gary Lindahl.
Victor was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Peggy Holoubek and Terry Wilkinson.
The family is hosting a celebration of Victor’s life at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1602 N. Main, Hutchinson on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Friends may sign his book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will receive friends at the church, following the service.
Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you plant something in your own yard to feed the bees or attract other wildlife, or memorials are suggested to the Victor L. Wilkinson Memorial Fund (to benefit causes that he loved), in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501. To benefit the Victor L. Wilkinson Memorial Fund, please make the check payable to Elliott Mortuary.
Victor’s legacy will also live on through the gift of organ donation.