Wilk Franklin Kilgore

Wilk Franklin Kilgore entered the world on November 1st, 2023 and was called home by the Lord on April 13, 2024 in the arms of his parents and surrounded by loved ones.

Much of Wilk’s time on earth was spent at The Heart Center of Nationwide Children’s Hospital after being diagnosed prenatally with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.

Wilk’s precious and sweet demeanor was a testament to God’s perfect plan that all life is valuable and all life is a gift from Him.

Through all of his challenging circumstances, Wilk would greet with a smile and coo to every new face that walked into his room. When he was really excited, he would pedal his feet so hard it looked like he was racing in the Tour De France. When he got his hands involved too, it was called the “Opal dance,” named after Wilk’s energetic Husky fur sister.

Wilk loved to read. He especially loved when his mom would read him Cuddle Bug as he was “big chillin” in his boppy, as his dad would say. You could tell Wilk was mesmerized by colors as he would do the “Opal dance” with every turn of the page.

Wilk also loved to be held and snuggled as he napped in the arms of whoever was lucky enough to hold him. A true cuddle muffin.

As challenging as it is to bring into the world and raise a child with a complex medical condition, we would do it all over again for a perfect gift like Wilk.

We know that Wilk’s impact on those who knew him, and even those who didn’t, reaches much further than what his five and a half months would suggest. Wilk Franklin Kilgore’s story is far from over.

Wilk is fully healed with a mended heart and is in the arms of his Heavenly Father and those who preceded him in death.

If you want to see Wilk again and you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, we pray that through Wilk’s story, God is glorified, and the peace that surpasses all understanding comes to be known and understood by all.

Wilkster, Wilker Dude, Wilky Bubba…we love you and will see you soon.

Wilk was preceded in death by his grandfather James Kilgore and his uncle Mason Kilgore. He is survived by his parents Max and Beth (Painter) Kilgore, his grandparents Dan and Bobbie (Palm) Painter and Jane (Spring) Kilgore, aunts and uncles Andrew and Megan (Melsheimer) Kilgore, Benjamin and Aubrey (Hand) Painter, and cousins Clara, Jack, and Kate Kilgore and Elliot and Ezra Painter.

We would like to thank all the nurses, doctors, surgeons, therapists, and support staff who put their time and effort into caring for Wilk. Your expertise and thoughtfulness gave us more and more time with our precious boy. We will never forget all those who helped Wilk fight his battle.

Three special nurses who will always hold a meaningful place in our hearts are Joann, Christina, and Caitlyn from the single ventricle team, H4A, and H4B.

In lieu of flowers, please donate items from The Heart Center’s Amazon wish list that go directly to families and children in their care: Nationwide Children's Hospital Heart Center-Amazon Wishlist

Celebration of Life visitation hours will be held from 4p-7p on Thursday, April 18th, 2024, at Meadow View Church of Christ: 6750 Raiders Rd. Frazeysburg, OH. 43822.

Private graveside services will be held for family Friday, April 19th at 3p on the Painter Farm.

BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME 1271 BLUE AVENUE ZANESVILLE OH. 43701 has been entrusted with all arrangements.

To send a note of condolence or to order flowers please: visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com , follow us at Facebook, or call our professional staff at 740-452-4551.