Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty has ordered that all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at the Capitol Complex, including state buildings, monuments, and grounds in proximity to and including the Minnesota State Capitol from sunrise until sunset on Friday, October 30, 2009, in honor and remembrance of Reserve Deputy Michael J. Wilken.

WHEREAS: Reserve Deputy Michael J. Wilken was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on March 15, 1953; and

WHEREAS: Reserve Deputy Michael J. Wilken joined the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office as a Reserve Deputy on May 10, 1999; and

WHEREAS: Reserve Deputy Michael J. Wilken received the police chief’s service award on July 16, 2002, while employed as a clerk at the Saint Paul Police Department’s impound lot; and

WHEREAS: Reserve Deputy Michael J. Wilken died a hero in the line of duty on Sunday, October 25, 2009, while directing traffic; and

WHEREAS: Reserve Deputy Michael J. Wilken was a beloved husband and father who loved to volunteer and create a safe place for children; and

WHEREAS: Reserve Deputy Michael J. Wilken is survived by his wife, Donna; daughter, Jennifer; son, Michael; parents, Elden and Ann; and other loving family and friends; and

WHEREAS: Visitation for Reserve Deputy Michael J. Wilken will be held Thursday, October 29, 2009, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Bradshaw Funeral Home in White Bear Lake, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: A funeral service for Reserve Deputy Michael J. Wilken will be held Friday, October 30, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota recognizes Reserve Deputy Michael J. Wilken for his dedicated service to and sacrifice for the people of Minnesota with our deepest gratitude, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and community.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM PAWLENTY, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby order all U.S. and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at the Capitol Complex, including state buildings, monuments, and grounds in proximity to and including the Minnesota State Capitol from sunrise until sunset on Friday, October 30, 2009, in honor and remembrance of Reserve Deputy Michael J. Wilken.