Harry J. Wilkins, 87 of Belle Fourche, SD died Monday, November 8, 2010 at Spearfish Regional Hospital in Spearfish, SD.

Harry was born November 7, 1923 in Glendive, MT to Harry E. and Dorothea (Ruthrauff) Wilkins. Harry attended high school in Glendive and later graduated from Montana State University as a civil engineer.

During his tour of duty, Harry served during WWII with the Army Engineers in the Philippines. He was discharged with the American Theatre Service Metal, Asiatic Pacific Service Metal, Good Conduct Metal and the Victory Metal. He married Elaine Graber in 1945 while serving in the army. They had three children; Jay, Peggy and Cal. He enjoyed league bowling and golfing for a number of years.

Harry started his career in the Northern pacific Engineering Dept. in Glendive, MT. In 1970 he moved to Billings, MT as Regional Engineer for the newly merged Burlington Northern. On February 15, 1974 he married Marjorie (Stetter) Marchiando. They moved to Casper, WY in 1977 as Harry was in charge of design and construction of the coal line from Orin Junction, WY to Colstrip, MT. At that time it was the longest line of track built since the golden spike days. He retired as chief engineer in Springfield, MO in 1984. They returned to Billings, MT to be close to family and friends. In May 2006 they moved to Spearfish.

Harry is survived by his wife Marjorie of Belle Fourche, daughter, Peggy (David) Moon, son, Cal (Tammy) Wilkins both of Billings, MT, step sons, Nick (Karen) Marchiando of Spearfish and Darrell Marchiando of Belle Fourche. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Jay, one brother Ray Wilkins and two sisters, Dorothy Dvorak and Betty Ostler.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00a.m., Monday, November 13, 2010 at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.