November 27, 2022
November 27, 2022
Dearest Kevin, How much I miss your wry humor. Hope you're entertaining the folks where you are. Love and miss you dear Kevin
This memorial website was created in the memory of Kevin Wilke, who was born August 20, 1957 and passed away November 25, 2016 from glioblastoma brain cancer. Please leave a message and/or share your stories and memories so he may be always remembered.
Our longtime loyal dog from South Africa, Brakkie, passed away shortly after to be with Kevin so I have also included some photos of him. He shall be missed forever as well.
Tributes
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November 27, 2022
November 27, 2022
So many beautiful thoughts from our family, you are always in my heart. I wish you could be here for my wedding and meet steve. Miss you.
November 26, 2022
November 26, 2022
Still miss you Kevin!
Love, Aunt Carol
Love, Aunt Carol
November 26, 2022
November 26, 2022
Miss you all the time and can’t believe it has been 6 years. Wish I can talk to you and tell you what is going on in our lives. Wish you were able to meet my beautiful grandson and know how well your niece and nephew are doing in their lives. You were gone way too young and miss seeing you love your sister.
November 26, 2021
November 26, 2021
Miss you brother everyday. Can’t believe you have been gone for 5 years. Love you and miss you very much.
November 25, 2021
November 25, 2021
Thinking of you this thanksgiving Day Kevin. Still miss you and think of you often. Wish you were still with us. Love you, Aunt Carol
November 25, 2021
November 25, 2021
Another year without your wonderful presence. You are never forgotten and are surely forever missed. Today, on Thanksgiving Day I remain thankful to have known and loved you as my nephew.
November 25, 2021
November 25, 2021
Happy Thanksgiving Day my dear friend Kevin. Miss and think of you often and will see you again someday.
November 25, 2020
November 25, 2020
Dear Kevin,
Still missing you so much! Hard to believe your not with us anymore. But I feel your spirit around us.
Still missing you so much! Hard to believe your not with us anymore. But I feel your spirit around us.
November 25, 2020
November 25, 2020
Yes my dear nephew, I miss your wonderful presence. You were such a good man. I have many great memories of your time in Laguna area. I know you're watching over your son, your Mother, Sisters and extended families. It was a great loss to have you gone as well as your brother Jeff. Still so sad. Love you in eternity.
August 20, 2019
August 20, 2019
Dear Kevin,
Three years and still missing you so much. Rest In Peace my dear nephew.
Love Aunt Carol
Three years and still missing you so much. Rest In Peace my dear nephew.
Love Aunt Carol
August 20, 2019
August 20, 2019
Dear Kevin,
It's difficult to believe you've been gone three years since I think of you so often which always brings a smile to my face and a sadness in my heart. You may be in Heaven but your memory lives on in so many ways, especially your contagious laugh, your strength and courage, and your very kind and compassionate views on life. Soar with the Angel's my Friend.
--Gerry
It's difficult to believe you've been gone three years since I think of you so often which always brings a smile to my face and a sadness in my heart. You may be in Heaven but your memory lives on in so many ways, especially your contagious laugh, your strength and courage, and your very kind and compassionate views on life. Soar with the Angel's my Friend.
--Gerry
November 25, 2018
November 25, 2018
Always remember your dear sweet smile and your quirky jokes. Miss you in my life
November 25, 2018
November 25, 2018
Miss you Kevin but know some day I will see you again buddy
August 21, 2017
August 21, 2017
Dear Kevin,
Wish you were here to celebrate your 60th. I miss you so much and think about you every day. I love you my very special nephew!
Wish you were here to celebrate your 60th. I miss you so much and think about you every day. I love you my very special nephew!
August 20, 2017
August 20, 2017
Today would have been you're 60th Birthday.... I am thinking about you today & wishing we could celebrate together. You are always in my heart and today I honor you....love you!
January 1, 2017
January 1, 2017
Kevin - When I was a young kid visiting your family in AZ you and your family were always a gracious hosts. I remember some of your visits to my parents in CA, our chats about Unisys and how you kept in touch with my Mom. We need more like you - classy, compassionate and sincere. Rest In Peace and I pray for comfort for your families loss.
December 11, 2016
December 11, 2016
From the Whitney Family
Dear Kevin -
It is now 2 weeks since you left to be an angel above and every day we think of you. All the trees in the world will always remind us of you and we thank you for helping us to better appreciate their natural beauty, uniqueness, and inspiring grace. We also thank you for always being so wonderful to our family in so many ways. You constantly blessed us with your genuine kindness and giving nature. And we will never forget how you shared so much of yourself with us... from helping us with our pool, teaching our kids about the various places you had been around the world, introducing our boys to Jeopardy, bringing us the fruits (actually, herbs and vegetables!) of your labor from your garden, and even giving me a crash course in gun safety. You have always been so generous with your time and knowledge, not only on a personal basis but also at the community level. We love and miss you and will think of you often. We smile just imagining you walking along the Avenue of the Baobabs or relaxing on a cloud with Brakkie by your side! You have been a wonderful and genuine friend to us and we are so thankful for the many ways you have touched our hearts. With much love and appreciation, The Whitneys
Dear Kevin -
It is now 2 weeks since you left to be an angel above and every day we think of you. All the trees in the world will always remind us of you and we thank you for helping us to better appreciate their natural beauty, uniqueness, and inspiring grace. We also thank you for always being so wonderful to our family in so many ways. You constantly blessed us with your genuine kindness and giving nature. And we will never forget how you shared so much of yourself with us... from helping us with our pool, teaching our kids about the various places you had been around the world, introducing our boys to Jeopardy, bringing us the fruits (actually, herbs and vegetables!) of your labor from your garden, and even giving me a crash course in gun safety. You have always been so generous with your time and knowledge, not only on a personal basis but also at the community level. We love and miss you and will think of you often. We smile just imagining you walking along the Avenue of the Baobabs or relaxing on a cloud with Brakkie by your side! You have been a wonderful and genuine friend to us and we are so thankful for the many ways you have touched our hearts. With much love and appreciation, The Whitneys
December 5, 2016
December 5, 2016
Dear Kev, I could not be more proud to have had you as my brother. I cannot express what you have meant to me and how you have impacted my life. We shared a lifetime of memories, ones that I will cherish and never forget, many that will make me laugh. You have shown me what the true definitions of strength and bravery really are, and I only hope that I can live up to those standards. Know that you and Val have raised Alexander to be curious about the world, strong in his convictions and morals. You are loved will be missed, but will always be in my heart. Heaven has a new angel to look after us.
December 5, 2016
December 5, 2016
Dear Kevin, When I think of you the word Proud comes to mind. I am so very proud of you. All of your accomplishments, you and Val did a wonderful job raising Alex, you traveled the world. You are a very special nephew. You always stayed in touch where ever you were. I am so proud of your courage and bravery these last years. I know you sit beside Grandma now and she will take care of you. I will love you forever and keep you in my thoughts. Rest in peace! Love Aunt Carol
December 3, 2016
December 3, 2016
Kevin, when Valerie married you, we said that you must be "Mr. Perfect," otherwise Val would've sent you back to be remade! You exhibited such great patience and we enjoyed your special sense of humor during the times we had together. I treasure those times: Mexico City, Gettysburg, Florida Keys, Christmas cruise to Cozumel, Bolivia, South Africa, and of course in your Stateside homes where you were an accomplished chef and a most gracious host. Yes, Sharon has been waiting for you to join him with a scotch. Rest in Peace.
December 3, 2016
December 3, 2016
My heartfelt condolences to you, Valerie and Alexander, and to Kevin's Mom, Pat and Donna and Laurie. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
To know Kevin was to love him. Kevin and I became friends in middle school as Jeff's little brother, but in time developed a friendship of our own. He had a great sense of humor as a kid though sometimes very methodical, and after years of not seeing him and then reconnecting a few years back, I was able to see his very dry wit had only increased over the years. He was a very funny guy.and I'm grateful for the laughs we were able to share in spite of his illness.
it was very obvious you and Alexander were his whole world. Family was everything to him, yet how fortunate the rest of us were that he opened himself up and allowed us to share in his short but extremely well-lived life. He was one of the kindest and most interesting people I've ever met and I will miss his friendship so very much.
--Kevin, twas Heaven while you were here.
To know Kevin was to love him. Kevin and I became friends in middle school as Jeff's little brother, but in time developed a friendship of our own. He had a great sense of humor as a kid though sometimes very methodical, and after years of not seeing him and then reconnecting a few years back, I was able to see his very dry wit had only increased over the years. He was a very funny guy.and I'm grateful for the laughs we were able to share in spite of his illness.
it was very obvious you and Alexander were his whole world. Family was everything to him, yet how fortunate the rest of us were that he opened himself up and allowed us to share in his short but extremely well-lived life. He was one of the kindest and most interesting people I've ever met and I will miss his friendship so very much.
--Kevin, twas Heaven while you were here.
December 2, 2016
December 2, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. Kevin was a friend and a truly good man. The amount of time and energy he placed into taking care of the neighborhood and the community was phenomenal. Because of his humble nature most of his work went unnoticed. Not by me Kevin. You were an excellent human being. You will be missed. God is lucky to have you!! Rest in Peace.
December 2, 2016
December 2, 2016
I met Kevin at Long Key and was immediately inspired by his grace, peaceful spirit and enthusiasm. He was the driving force behind the friends group and activities. He left this earth much better for his efforts. God is embracing Kevin and Brakkie. My prayers are with your family. Until we meet again Kevin.
November 30, 2016
November 30, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with Kevin and his family. Kevin was a wonderful, smart and kind man and it was my pleasure to work with him over the years. A friend.
November 30, 2016
November 30, 2016
Yes, he will be forever missed. A good man, gone after a brave struggle with his illness. Kevin, a great father, husband, son, brother and "nephew" ; so many wonderful memories of him with us in Laguna Beach. May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
November 30, 2016
November 30, 2016
My condolences to Valerie and the Wilke family. Even when Kevin was sick he had the desire to consult and show interest in helping to build my company in any way he could. He was a positive force who will not be forgotten.
November 30, 2016
November 30, 2016
It was a pleasure to work with Kevin on many capture opportunities at Unisys. I learned a lot from him, especially on our many NASA bids. Kevin was always professional, dedicated, hard working, loyal and took everyone at their word. During our time in the proposal bunker, he spoke often, with great affection and pride of his family, sometimes separated by distance. We kept in touch sporadically over the years, but I am happy to have a nice memory of our last meeting, a lunch in 2015, at the Sea Watch in Fort Lauderdale, where we spoke of condo reno projects, college kids, park conservations, turning air into water, his many interests, etc. Although he was sick, he was still fully engaged in the world, still Kevin.
November 30, 2016
November 30, 2016
Kevin, your positive enthusiasm and energy provided leadership in the establishment of the Friends of Long Key. You remained always interested in establishing connections with organizations and had great ideas to promote the historical side of Long Key. Thank you. Rest in peace.
November 29, 2016
November 29, 2016
Kevin, you were such an honorable man. You taught me so much about business development and did your best to help me with my business. I will always be grateful for our friendship and your help. I am deeply saddened by your departure from this life. I know you go on. Rest in peace my friend.
November 29, 2016
November 29, 2016
My Dear Brother I will miss you more than you will know. I have alot of memories of us during our child hood but one I will alway remember and laugh at is the safe you kept under your bed with your money in it. And the halloween candy you took (all the good candy) and when Jeff, Donna and I ran out you sold us the candy back. The lava monster we played in the basement. I can go on and on...We knew that long ago that you would be good business man. Give my brother Jeff, Grandma, and our Father a big hug and kiss from me and my family. We miss you all so very much, our lives will never be the same. One day we will all be together again. I love you very much your sister Laurie, Allen, Sherese and Little Allen.
November 29, 2016
November 29, 2016
Kevin was a gentleman and a friend. I was looking forward to enjoying another breakfast meeting with him, but the clock was ticking too fast.
November 28, 2016
November 28, 2016
Valerie, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and Alexander. Kevin will always be alive in our hearts. He was blessed to have you both as a wife and son.
November 28, 2016
November 28, 2016
I was so saddened to return from Thanksgiving to receive this news. Val, you and Alexander are in my thoughts and prayers, it has been a long and challenging journey for all of you and one that Kevin fought with such determination and bravery. May he rest in peace and may the good lord watch over the two of you and the rest of his family.
November 27, 2016
November 27, 2016
Our lives would have been vastly different if our paths hadn't crossed. You were instrumental in giving us the opportunity to move to Texas to to improve our lifestyle while still having family nearby. I know you are standing up there with Sharon, enjoying a scotch, while looking out for the rest of us down here. Peace be with you until we meet again...
November 26, 2016
November 26, 2016
Kevin's dedication to Long Key Nature Center was so apparent when he took on the responsibility to lead the other interested community members in forming a 501c 3 non-profit corporation: Friends of Long Key. As FOLK's chairperson, the Board accomplished so much in a very short time under his leadership, amazing Broward County's park department personnel, County Commissioners, and other Friends groups. Kevin's legacy will be carried on in the years to come.
"To remain alive in the hearts of loved ones is to never die."
Kevin will be sorely missed by the FOLK Board members.
"To remain alive in the hearts of loved ones is to never die."
Kevin will be sorely missed by the FOLK Board members.
November 26, 2016
November 26, 2016
Rest in peace.
November 26, 2016
November 26, 2016
Dear Valerie..We met your beautiful Kevin and Alex on the Band of Brothers Tour in July 2013. They sat across from us on the bus and we immediately connected. We exchanged a few emails and often thought how lucky to have met such caring people. Ken & I will treasure those memories always. Please know you're in our thoughts and prayers. Alex, your Dad was so proud of you. If you're up for it,sometime, drop us an email. Sincerely, Ken & Mary XO
November 26, 2016
November 26, 2016
Rest in peace my friend. One of the nicest people I ever had the privilege of working with. Prayers for Kevin and his family.
November 26, 2016
November 26, 2016
Condolences from the Read family, Clare, Elwood, Alison and Angelica.
November 26, 2016
November 26, 2016
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. May God give you comfort and peace during this time.
The Tlachac Family - Dan, Kelly and Sean
The Tlachac Family - Dan, Kelly and Sean
November 26, 2016
November 26, 2016
We are so sorry to hear about Kevin. May your heart and soul find peace and comfort, our thoughts are with you and Alexander during this difficult time. Joe, Debra, Trey and Mary Katherine Mastaler
November 26, 2016
November 26, 2016
I offer my condolences and deepest sympathies to the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you.
November 25, 2016
November 25, 2016
Tell my father I miss him and look out for our son - you are his guardian angel now...
November 25, 2016
November 25, 2016
Rest in peace my dear friend you will be missed. Please tell your brother I think of him too often. Kevin you where a SHINING example of a human! Love you man!
November 25, 2016
November 25, 2016
Thank you Kevin for your amazing leadership of our FOLK group over the past three years...So glad we had an opportunity to stay in touch over the past year! As I told you Tuesday, we will continue to support Long Key and increase awareness of this local treasure of ours! My friend, rest in peace among the beauty of paradise! Until we meet again!
November 25, 2016
November 25, 2016
My thoughts and prayers all with all of you. I only spoke to Kevin once on the telephone but I know Valerie and I am confident that Kevin was a very special guy. Valerie has impeccable taste in everything and I am sure that Kevin was just as special to Valerie and all of their family and friends! Rest In Peace!
November 25, 2016
November 25, 2016
Rest in peace dear friend.
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
November 27, 2022
November 27, 2022
Dearest Kevin, How much I miss your wry humor. Hope you're entertaining the folks where you are. Love and miss you dear Kevin
November 27, 2022
November 27, 2022
So many beautiful thoughts from our family, you are always in my heart. I wish you could be here for my wedding and meet steve. Miss you.
November 26, 2022
November 26, 2022
Still miss you Kevin!
Love, Aunt Carol
Love, Aunt Carol
Gallery
I miss you every day.
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Recent stories
Thinking of Kevin
January 1, 2017
by Cheryl Lynch
I remember Kevin as a great father! Our son, John Shaw was good friends with Alexander. John Shaw spent many a day and night in the Shaw-Wilke household. John Shaw would come home telling us funny stories of 'Mr. Wilke' playing games with them, joking with them and being an all around wonderful person.
I remember water ballon battles at 'Go Karts Plus' with the boys...oh, Kevin was just as competitive - what great fun!
We will always remember Kevin's sense of humor, his kindness and his flexibility with move after move and his smile...which always looked like he was up to something!
He will indeed always be remembered, loved and missed.
Sending love to Valerie and Alexander!
Love,
Cheryl
In Memoriam
November 25, 2016
I have a few favorite Uncle Kevin stories that I would like to share:
- Playing in your pool in Miami and he would chase us (the children)
-Going to mass together earlier this year
-Two weeks ago he told me that my ex-boyfriend, Mike was a know-it-all (which he totally was)-thanks for that, Kev! I needed to hear that.
-Shortly after Kevin's diagnosis, I was hospitalized, and when I came home there was a sweet, heartfelt letter waiting for me in the mailbox from Kevin giving me life advice.
-When our famillies went to the Bahamas together and one morning we went to your room and Alexander was in his underwear doing "underwear karate" and Kevin was going along with it- I still laugh when I think about this (this was probably 16 years ago)
There are so many more, but I think these really highlight who Kevin was.
Kevin, you will always be remembered, loved and missed.
Rest in peace.
With love,
Nat