Posted at: 10/30/2009 7:48 PM
By: LUKE GARRISON

Killed Reserve Deputy Remembered Friday

Reserve Deputy Mike Wilken was remembered Friday after being hit and killed by a car while directing traffic at a haunted house last weekend.

Those who knew him say the 56-year-old Wilken, nicknamed "Big Mike," had a big heart. "He's a caring person, but he's not intimidating. And that's a rare quality to have his size but yet people are drawn to him. He's easy to approach," said Cmdr. Joe Paget with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department.

Wilken was killed Sunday near the Fright Farm in Maplewood. At his memorial service Friday, one of the fair's actors even came to pay his respects.

"We're usually out there haunting and scaring and having fun and it's been extremely somber the last week for us," said Dan Wolfgram.

Hundreds showed up at Andrews Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi to remember Wilken. After the funeral, the hearse carrying Wilken's body made the 16 mile drive to Newport Cemetery, where Wilken will be buried. Those who knew "Big Mike" say they will never forget him.

"Everybody knows Big Mike. Like they said before, he's a big teddy bear, always had something kind to say. Just someone that's going to be missed for us," said Wolfgram.

A Deputy Chief at the Maplewood Police Department says drugs and alcohol were not a factor in the crash that killed Wilken. The Deputy says the driver of the accident will not face charges.