Virgil Wikoff Records, 1958-9, 1961, 1969-70, 1973-4, 1982, 1986, 1989-90, 1992-94, 1997, 1999-20 | University of Illinois Archives

Virgil Wikoff was born February 6, 1927 in Decatur, Illinois and spent most of his childhood on a farm

outside of Maroa, Illinois. Upon graduation from Maroa Township High School, he enlisted in

the United State Navy and spent the final two years of the Second World War (1944-1945) in

the Pacific Theater. Discharged from the Navy in 1946 he enrolled in the University of Illinois

the following year and graduated with a B.S. in Architectural Engineering. After being recalled

into the Naval Reserves during the Korean War, Wikoff returned in October 1952 and founded

Lyman-Wikoff, Inc. General Contractors, a construction company he maintained until his

retirement. Wikoff was a City of Champaign Council Member from 1963-1967, and then served as

Mayor from 1967-1975. He also served as Representative of the 52nd District in the Illinois

State General Assembly from 1977-1982.