Obit: Kamke, Wesley "Pickles" A. (1914 - 2007)

Transcribed by: Crystal Wendt

Surnames: Kamke, Jaeger, Zamzow, Wendorf, Bahr, Salter, Bloch, Erdman, Eldred

---Source: Foto News (Merrill, Lincoln Co., Wis.) Wednesday, 31 Oct. 2007

---Kamke, Wesley "Pickles" A. (28 May 1914 - 28 Oct. 2007)

Wesley A. Kamke

Wesley A. "Pickles" Kamke, 93, of Merrill, was called home by his heavenly father on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007, at home under the care of his family and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

Wesley was born May 28, 1914, in Merrill, son of the late Emil and Clara Jaeger Kamke. He graduated from Merrill High School. Wesley worked as a barber with his father at the former Rohde's Barber Shop in Merrill. He then went to work at the former Fromm Fox Farm. He retired from the former Anson-Gilkey Company, Merrill, where he was a machine operator. Wesley served in the United States Army from June 1942 until December 1945, with most of his time served overseas.

Wesley played the trombone in Art Zamzow's Traveling Orchestra and Carl Hamsing's Germany Band. He was a member of both the Merrill and Minocqua City Bands. He was also very proud to be a member of a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Club, having owned three Harleys.

Wesley was an avid golfer, well known for his seriousness on the course. He was also very artistic in making his own golf clubs. Wesley decided at the age of 67 to take flying lessons. He took his first solo flight on June 7, 1983. He bought his own plane and continued flying until a few years ago. He built many radio-controlled airplanes and belonged to the RC Flyers-Merrill. Wesley was a member of St. Stephen's United Church of Christ, Merrill. His many other talents included fishing, hunting, wine/beer making, gardening, fruit trees and archery.

Wesley is survived by his immediate family, Rose Wendorf, Amy (Shawn) Bahr, Christopher (Michelle) Salter, Brittany (Ryan Bloch) Wendorf, Steven Erdman, Bryce Bloch, Devin Bahr, and several close cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Steven "Beaver" Wendorf, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services are 1 p.m. today, Wednesday, Oct. 31, at the Taylor & Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. Rev. John Eldred and Pastor Missy Holdorf will co-officiate. Burial will take place at a later date in Merrill Memorial Park, where graveside military rites will be conducted by VFW Post 1638, Merrill. Visitation begins at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. The family would like to thank Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for all their loving care in the last difficult days, and to family and friends who offered so much needed support. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials to St. Stephen's United Church of Christ, Merrill, or Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

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