Obituary of Robert Arthur Wilke

Robert Wilke, age 80 of Whitewater, died at his home on Friday, August 21, 2009. Bob was born October 28, 1928 in Center Township, Rock County the son of Elmer and Elsie (Wienke) Wilke. Upon graduating in 1945 from Janesville High School he pursued a career in engineering which would take him through the military and on to teaching. He began this with a BS in Aeronautical Engineering from University of Minnesota, then a Masters at Oklahoma University, and finally a Ph-D in Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M. His service in the U.S. Air Force began in 1949, served during Korean Conflict and Vietnam, and retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1971. Bob�s teaching career of 23 years took him to University of Maryland, Texas A&M, and Ohio State. Bob married Ruth Gerda on June 16, 1982 in Brazos County, Texas. His interests included reading, computer programming, and a special love of flying. He was a pilot who flew numerous types of aircraft. He is survived by his wife Ruth Gerda of Whitewater, a daughter: Cindy (Lee) Stavenhagen of Oregon, 2 Grandchildren: Ian and Devan Scarfe Sister: Dorothy Terpstra of Janesville Sister: Elaine (Frank) Story of Michigan Brother: Donald (Karen) Wilke of Janesville Sister: Caroline (Ron) O�meara of Edgerton And also many nieces and nephews A Memorial Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 from 1-3 PM at the Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater with Military Rites being conducted at 3:00 PM. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Jefferson County Humane Society.