Richard Lee Wilke

Richard L. Wilke age 62, of Falling Waters West Virginia formerly of Lisbon died July 14, 2018 from complications of a massive heart attack four days prior to his death.

Richard was born to Harlan D. and Karen J. (Carter) Wilke in Bismarck, North Dakota March 21, 1956. His father and mother were residents of Underwood, ND.  Following Harlan’s discharge from military service the family moved to Lisbon where Richard received his education graduating from Lisbon High School in 1974.

Richard was an average student in High School.  He excelled in sports mainly football and basketball and in summer did play some baseball. He was a recipient of a few scholarships to college. Being his own mind chose to enlist in the United States Coast Guard with a child hood friend Ron Vogel.  He served for a few years and was honorably discharged and entered civilian life. He attempted college for a short time deciding it was not for him and began working as a brakeman for Burlington Northern Railroad until he re-enlisted again.  Richard was very well respected in the military. In his 23 years of proud service to his country, he served both as enlisted and as an officer retiring as a W03 (Warrant Officer). 

Richard and Theresa Schreiner were married July 21, 1979, at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Cogswell, ND.  During his career, they were stationed and lived in many beautiful parts of our country, California, Michigan, Virginia, Texas, Hawaii, and Alaska.

Following his retirement, Richard and Theresa returned to North Dakota where Richard was employed at Melroe Bobcat.  They later moved to Fallings Waters, West Virginia where he started his 18-year career with Level 3 now known as Century Link.

Richard had integrity and was an honorable, kind and charismatic man, approaching anyone to strike up a conversation. He was a caring husband and father. He adored his family and had an exceptional work ethic. As a teenager he assisted his father at the Park Pavilion for the weekend bands, and roller skating rink and was a pretty smooth skater with a couple of tricks up his sleeve. Rich, when able enjoyed fishing trips with his family and also loved cruising on his motorcycle with his family.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, and sister, Linda Bruns.  He is survived by his wife, Theresa; son Kyle (Heather), daughters, Cara (Earl), Katie (Travis) and Nikki (Nathan) and his only grandchild Isabella all of the Falling Waters area. He is also survived by his mother Karen Wilke of Lisbon; brothers, Randy (Suzanne) Wilke of Helena, MT; David (Shawn) Wilke of Anchorage, AK and sister, Renae Smith of Fargo, ND; and many nieces, nephews extended family and friends.

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