Robert Wilhelm

Robert F. "Bob" Wilhelm, 59, of Topeka, passed away on Monday, September 20th, 2010, at his home. He was born on January 30th, 1951, in Seneca, KS to Lester and Virginia (Lehmkuhl) Wilhelm.

Bob graduated from St. Peter and Paul High School in 1969. On September 19th, 1970, he married Julie Davin in Seneca, KS and this year celebrated 40 years of marriage together. In January 1970, Bob enlisted in the 190th Tactical Reconnaissance Group and remained active in the U.S. Air National Guard for the next 38 years. Bob was a member of the 190th Air Refueling Wing at Forbes Field in Topeka, KS and took part in several deployments including Operation Desert Storm. Bob was promoted to Chief Master Sergeant in 2003, retiring in 2007. Bob was also known for his quality service as an electrician throughout the community.

Bob is survived by his wife, their children, Brad (Angie) Wilhelm of Wichita, KS, Aaron Wilhelm (Nina Smith) of Lees Summit and Jessica (Jason) Holiday of Salina, KS; four siblings, Charlene (Sam) Collom of Topeka, Wayne (Barb) Wilhelm of Topeka, Dale (Glenda) Wilhelm of Seneca, KS and Tom (Roxan) Wilhelm of Hiawatha; seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 24th at Fellowship Bible Church, 6800 SW 10th, Topeka. Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Berryton. Bob will lie instate after 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 23rd at the Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel where the family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care Hospice Services, 200 SW Frazier Cir, Topeka, KS 66606.