Lynn Marie Wilkes (nee Kerkemeyer)

Lynn Marie Wilkes (nee Kerkemeyer) of Ballwin, Missouri, died on September 18, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 55.

Born on March 6, 1971, in Belleville, Illinois, Lynn built a life marked by dedication to her family, commitment to her work, and care for those around her. She earned a bachelor’s degree with a major in Political Science and a minor in Economics from SIU Edwardsville, followed by a master’s degree in paralegal studies from Webster University. She went on to serve as a legal professional, contributing her skills as a paralegal at various law firms and continuing her success as a contracts manager in private industry.

Lynn will be remembered as a devoted mother whose children and family remained at the center of her life. She was extremely proud of her sons, supporting Cameron's career in law enforcement and Ryan's dream to attend the University of Kansas. She was excited at becoming a grandmother, a joy that reflected the importance family held for her. She shared a special bond with her two sisters and was a friend to many. There was a special place in her heart for her two doodles, Max and Charlie.

Lynn loved baking for the holidays, took great pleasure in throwing themed parties, and enjoyed volunteering for causes that she held dear. She will be remembered for the many ways she devoted herself to the people who mattered most to her and the memories she helped create.

She was preceded in death by her father, Paul Kerkemeyer; mother, Margaret Kerkemeyer, nee Imming; brother, John Kerkemeyer; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Sue and Gerry Wilkes; a sister-in-law, Sharon Homire; and brothers-in-law, Gerry Wilkes, Jr. and Rick Homire.

She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Thomas Wilkes; sons Cameron (Abigail) and Ryan; a granddaughter, Thea Wilkes; sisters Karen (David) Meehan and Debbie (Chris) Monks; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Sally (Robert) McAlexander, John (Kim) Wilkes, M.D., Mike (Julie) Wilkes, Danielle Wilkes, and Rosalie Homire; many nieces and nephews, Chloe and Connor Meehan, Carter and Ethan Monks, Jakob and Kayleigh Kerkemeyer, Ann and Lizzie Homire, Kaitlin (Kolter) Krumsick, Michael McAlexander, Rebecca (Jacob) Osterman, Emily Wilkes, Olivia (Cameron) Hollander, Melanie and Jenna Wilkes, Davis, Delaney and Collins Wilkes; and great nieces and nephews.

Services: A visitation will be held at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, MO 63011, Monday, September 28, 2026 from 3-8 p.m. A memorial service will be held at New Beginnings Lutheran Church, 791 New Beginnings Drive, Pacific, MO 63069, Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 10 a.m. Family and friends are invited to attend a luncheon at the church after the service. Cremation will follow the services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Backstoppers Inc. at backstoppers.org/donate. Condolences may be expressed through the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.