Obituary of Frank M. Wilke

Passed into eternal life on July 28, 2006, two days before his 88th birthday. Devoted husband of Anne. Loving father of Robert (Jill) Wilke and Gail (Doug) Gray.Beloved grandfather of Claire and Michael Wilke and Brian Gray. Friend and mentor to many. Frank will be remembered for his love of family and country and his constant desire to help his friends, family and co-workers. Born in Chicago, Illinois on July 30, 1918, he was the dedicated son of Emily and Frank Wilke. Forced to start working at the age of 14 after the death of his father, he apprenticed as a tool and die maker, then became a master mold maker before being elected business agent for the International Association of Machinists. Frank later embarked on a career in management, as a Foreman, Plant Manager, Director, and ultimately Vice President of Manufacturing at D-M-E Company, retiring in 1988. Frank’s deep sense of patriotism led him to join the Illinois National Guard and to serve honorably in the United States Navy during World War II. After the war, Frank returned to civilian life in Chicago, and he married Anne Orlik on June 1, 1947. Frank was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, Boy Scout leader and served as a member of the Local Emergency Planning Committee of Oakland County for 18 years. He will be remembered most for his strength, intelligence, and high standards but also for his kindness and desire to help others. Without a formal education beyond the 8th grade, Frank stressed its importance to everyone and remained on a life-long journey of self-education until the time of his passing. The Frank M. Wilke Scholarship Fund has been established in his honor. A mass and celebration of Frank's life will take place on August 19, 2006 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church in Orchard Lake, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes to this remarkable man may be sent to the Frank M. Wilke Scholarship Fund (Michigan Heritage Bank, 28300 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334).