Robert Allen Wilke

Robert "Bob" Allen Wilke, 63, of Winona, died at his home on Monday, October 24, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer.Robert was born on January 23, 1948 in Berlin, WI to Robert and Dorothy (Delap) Wilke. After graduating from Berlin Senior High School in 1966, Bob furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He graduated in December of 1970 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. While attending college, Bob was introduced to his future wife, Janet King. They were united in marriage on June 20, 1971 in Webster City, IA. Shortly after, Bob and Janet moved to Fort Ord in Monterey, CA for six months while he began basic training with the U.S. Army Reserve. In September 1972, they relocated to Winona. That year, Bob began working with Lake Center Industries, later known as TRW, as an Electrical Engineer. He held several positions within the company, including management and research and development of new projects, until his retirement in 2006.Before being diagnosed with cancer, Bob lived a very healthy and active life. He stayed physically fit by biking, hiking, and running. One of his proudest moments was biking 160 miles in one day, from Winona to his parent's farm in Red Granite, WI. In 2009, Bob climbed Kilimanjaro, the highest freestanding mountain in the world. Bob also stayed active with the Boy Scouts and served as a Scout Master for over 15 years. Bob and Janet were long time members at Central United Methodist Church in Winona. He served on many committees in the church and went on several mission trips. He enjoyed singing and playing guitar for the church choir. He also sang with the Winona Hims, Winona Barbershoppers, and several other contemporary gospel groups in the area. He also enjoyed woodworking and making special pieces for family.Bob is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Janet Wilke; sons, Joshua and Jacob Wilke of Winona; mother, Dorothy Wilke of Berlin, WI; sisters, Jeanne (Pat) Roney of Waukesha, WI and Lynda (Patrick) Baier of Green Bay; sisters-in-law, Jill Comara of Woolstock, IA and Joan (Harold) Brown of Webster City, IA; nieces, Jennifer (Glendon Slusher) Roney and Candy (Jason) Steuerwald; nephew, Ryan (Tim Askin) Roney; and 2 great-nieces. He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Wilke; and his parents-in-law, Mildred and Richard King.A visitation will be held from 6-8pm on Friday, October 28, 2011 at Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service-Hansen Goodview Chapel. Memorial service will be at 11am, Saturday, October 29, 2011 at Central United Methodist Church with visitation one hour prior. Don L. Arnold and Heather E. Klason will co-officiate.Memorials are preferred to Central United Methodist Church or Boy Scouts Troop #6.Please share a memory of Bob with his family, sign the online guestbook, and view his video tribute when it becomes available at: www.hofffuneral.com.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/256370