Alexander W. Wilkes, MD

Alexander Warren Wilkes, 39, of Appleton, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 27, 2025. A devoted father, husband, son, and brother, Alex will always be remembered for his passion for life, his unwavering empathy, and his deep love for his family and friends.

Born on September 3, 1985, Alex was one of three children to Jim and Donna Wilkes of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, growing up alongside his older brother, Kyle, and younger sister, Courtney.

Alex had a lifelong love of sports, playing football and running track in high school. After graduating, he attended Marquette University, where he earned his undergraduate degree with honors in 2008. During his time at Marquette, Alex met Katie. Within the first week of them dating, friends predicted that they would marry. Katie was the love of Alex’s life.

Following college, Alex pursued his dream of becoming a surgeon, attending medical school at Creighton University. While in medical school, he and Katie were married on June 26, 2010, in Milwaukee, surrounded by family and friends. He earned his M.D. from Creighton in 2012 and matched for residency in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Over the next six years, he dedicated himself to both his medical training and growing their family. They welcomed their first son, Chase, in 2013, and their second son, Gavin, in 2016. Alex completed his residency in 2017, followed by a fellowship in 2018.

In 2018, Alex joined Fox Valley Surgical Specialists in Appleton, where he spent the next six years providing compassionate, expert care to his patients. He was known not only for his surgical skill but also for his ability to bring comfort and reassurance to patients and loved ones in difficult times. He lived by the philosophy he shared in his professional bio—that he treat every patient as he would want his own family treated. During this time, he and Katie welcomed their third child, a daughter Blair.

Alex’s greatest joy in life was his family. He was a devoted husband and a proud father who found his greatest fulfillment in the time they spent together. An avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing, he found happiness in nature and cherished every moment sharing those experiences with his children, family, and closest friends. He also had a deep love for travel, always seeking new adventures with Katie, Chase, Gavin, and Blair, creating lasting memories wherever they went. No matter how busy life became, his family was always at the center of his world.

Alex is survived by his loving wife, Katie (Rasmussen); his children, Chase, Gavin, and Blair; his parents, Dr. Jim and Donna Wilkes; his brother, Dr. Kyle Wilkes (Pam) and their children, Brynn and James; and his sister, Courtney (Justin) Griggs and their son, Erling, with a daughter on the way. He is also survived by his in-laws, Chuck and Holly Rasmussen, and his sister-in-law, Courtney (Matt) Zimmer and nieces Charlotte and Brooklyn.

He will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

Alex's funeral service will take place at 2:00PM on Friday, February 7, 2025, at First English Lutheran Church - North Campus, located at 6331 N. Ballard Road in Appleton.  Rev. Mary Bauer and Pastor John Kieffer will share words of comfort for family and friends.  There will be visitation hours on Thursday, February 6 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Wichmann Funeral Home, located at 537 N. Superior Street in Appleton and again at the church on Friday, beginning at 12:00 PM and continuing until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established to provide long term support for Katie and their children. Contributions can be made out to the Wilkes Family and mailed to Nicolet Bank, 3740 Investors Court, Appleton, WI 54913.

A charity will also be named shortly to which donations can be made in honor of Alex.