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David J. Wilke York, PA QCWA # 10232 |
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David James Wilke Sr, passed away at home on Monday, March 25, 2013, at the age of 82.
David is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Elizabeth (Pearson) Wilke.
David was preceded in death by his father, James Curtis Wilke; his brother, Rodrick Wilke; and his son, David James Wilke, Jr. David is lovingly remembered by his mother, Pauline B Wilke of Melbourne, Fla.; son, Eric Wilke of Dover, Del.; his son and daughter-in-law, Curtis and Jessie Wilke of Dallastown; his daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Tom Kelkis of York; and son and daughter-in-law, John and Kelly Wilke of Phoenix Md.
Pop is also remembered by his grandchildren, Deacon Mark Wilke, James and Jenn Wilke, Lauren Wilke, Doug Wilke, Jennifer Wilke, Adam and Gina Kelkis, David and Emily Kelkis, Elizabeth Kelkis, Maryrose Kelkis, and Jack Wilke and Audrey Wilke. Also missing Pop are his great-grandchildren, Lydia Wilke, Anastasia Kelkis, and Kaylee Kelkis.
David was born in Pottstown and graduated from The Hill School.
David began his career in engineering at Kawecki Chemical Company in Pottstown and became a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. David then accepted a vice president position at Banner Machinery in Raleigh, NC. Desiring a return to Pennsylvania, David moved to an engineering position at Penn Wire Rope in Williamsport. Shortly after, he received a promotion to Chief Engineer for Penn Wire Rope's parent company, Handy and Harman in Cockeysville, Md.
Always desiring to have his own company, David started Technical Associates in 1976, a design and custom built machinery business. In 1979, David founded, Wilke Machinery Company in York.
After his retirement in 1990, David was able to enjoy his hobbies full time. In his teens David began a life-long interest in amateur radio, becoming a HAM operator. As the hobby and technology grew, David connected with fellow HAMs in other countries under the call letters W3LSG and used state of the art equipment to make video connections as early as 1975.
In the late 70's he designed, built, and drove an electric car. David raised championship African violets, built two boats, enjoyed fishing on the Chesapeake Bay, and made twice yearly bass fishing trips to the Opinicon in Canada.
The family enjoyed the fruits of his green thumb when David built a greenhouse and used hydroponics to grow vegetables.
David also painted, and in retirement took up golf and joined Regent's Glen, where he accomplished a hole in one.
A visitation will be held at the John W. Keffer Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 902 Mt Rose Ave., York, on Saturday, March 30, 2013, from 11 am to 12 noon. The funeral service will begin at 12 pm with Deacon Neil Crispo officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Mt Rose Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Church, 2935 Kingston Road, York, PA 17402.
Condolences for the family may be offered online at KefferFH.com
Published in York Daily Record on Mar. 27, 2013.