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Roscoe Wilke Obituary
A memorial service and celebration of life will be at 5 p.m. Friday at Wasilla VFW Post 9365.
Roscoe was born Jan. 7, 1923, in Nekoosa, Wis. He married Doris Swenson in 1943 while serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.
They moved to Nome in 1948 and Roscoe went back into the service during the Korean conflict before returning to Nome in 1953. There he served in the Alaska Territorial National Guard and was a deputy U.S. marshal.
In Nome he operated several businesses and was an employee of Wien Airlines and the Nome School District. Heavily involved in community affairs, he was elected mayor of Nome and was a longtime city councilman. Active in many civic organizations, Roscoe was a charter member of the Bering Sea Lions Club and spent countless hours raising money for various causes.
In 1984, Roscoe and Doris retired to Wasilla, where he joined several veterans groups and continued his tireless community involvement. He was past post commander of both AmVets and VFW.
His family wrote: "He will be remembered for his motto, 'Ants Never Sleep.' "
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the American Heart Association, 1057 W. Fireweed Lane, Suite 100, Anchorage 99503.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris, in 1991, and son-in-law, Pat Norbert.
He is survived by his daughter, Diane Norbert of Oregon and Alaska; grandson, P.R. Norbert, who serves in the U.S. Navy; his son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Lisa Wilke of Anchorage; and numerous nephews and nieces in the Lower 48.
Local arrangements are with Kehl's Palmer Mortuary.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roscoe Wilke
Pat Huling (Kelley)
June 10, 2007
"Jimmy's Dad" was a part of my high school years in Nome. I remember him always having a smile and a friendly word. Jim and Diane, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lennie Larkey
June 9, 2007
I talked to Roscoe several times a year when he would plan a trip to visit his family or friends, or that next trip to Nome. He always made me smile and I loved working with him. I remember calling to leave him a message just so I could hear his recorder message.
He was a first class friend. I will miss him.
Jim Wilke
June 7, 2007
Roscoe was my father and my friend. My wife Lisa and I appreciate all the kindness shown to him and our family during this recent sad time. I miss my father and will never forget him - they don't make them like him any more.
Mike Straub
June 6, 2007
Roscoe was a good fellow and friend, Just like family.
Mary Elizabeth Gray
June 5, 2007
Roscoe and I were both born in Wisconsin. He looked a little like one of my mother's cousins so I felt like I was with a relative when I first met him at the Iditarod in 1997. We wrote to eachother and he sent me a box full of an assortment of both funny and useful items...I still have most of its contents. He was an adorable man. So charming and so uplifting. His great friend, and my geography professor- "Doc" Don Haglund, thought the world of him and saw him every year in Nome during the Iditarod. Roscoe will live on in my fondest memories all the rest of my life. I will never forget that he sent me a photo of his pug dog, named...what else??? PUGGY SUE!!!Roscoe, you are going to brighten the Northern Sky and when I see the Aurora Borealis next time, I will think of you and the happy energy and playful light you brought into the lives of so many of us.
The Coyles
June 1, 2007
Our sympathy goes out to Rosco's family.
He enriched our lives with his humorous personality and "Being smarter than the average bear"
Bob and Ike Schick
June 1, 2007
A true friend from Nome. Whenever we needed a friend Roscoe was there. He was an organizer and a gentleman. Our families were a blend. Roscoe helped organize games and races, Half-a-dead-chicken dinners. He was a respected friend to the kids at school. A builder of huge bonfires on the beach.
We will always remember his quotations: "If winning isn't everything why bother keeping score?" and "You wait right here. I'll be right back". OK Crocko, we'll see you soon.
nancy caldwell
May 31, 2007
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Debbie Chapman
May 31, 2007
I have known and worked side by side with Roscoe, (Rascal) at AMVETS first post #9 then post #11, since 1995, he was a great and unforgettable man. He loved his country, the AMVETS orginization his heart and soul ( and a few dollars I might add) went into the formation and growth of Never Forget AMVETS Post #11. He will always hold a special place in my heart and will be in my memories for as long as I live. I was honored to have known him. he willy be deeply missed. An additional celebration of life will be held at AMVETS Post #11 on Saturday June 9th at 7:00 P.M.
Michelle Zenger
May 31, 2007
I work at MTA's Helpdesk and will always remember Roscooooe Wilke (as he used to say it)! He was always so fun to speak with and his personality always came through. I'm happy to have gotten to meet him in person at least once. He will be missed by everyone at the helpdesk.
Liz Johnson
May 31, 2007
Roscoe was a great neighbor and friend to all of us on Alder Drive. Being originally from Nome too, he welcomed me as soon as I moved in next door. Even after he moved across Wasilla, he still delivered me his Nome Nugget newspapers. He touched so many of us with his friendly smile, he will be missed by all.
Ken Southerland
May 31, 2007
On behalf of the entire AMVETS (American Veterans) organization in Alaska, I offer my deepest condolences to the friends and family of this special man.
My acquaintance with Roscoe came out of his involvement with the AMVETS organization. He was always very energetic for his age, and always a pleasure to talk with. I know that AMVETS will miss him very much. We've lost another of the "Greatest Generation".
Ken Southerland, Executive Director
AMVETS Department of Alaska
Maggie & Wayne Bolduc
May 31, 2007
The world will be a little less bright at having lost Roscoe's twinklng smile & personality. His generousity & tireless community service cannot be spoken of enough. His wit and charm will be missed by all who knew him. We loved him.
Gerald Trigg
May 31, 2007
I have known Roscoe and his family since the 50's when we both worked for FAA. He will be remembered by many for all his dedicated work toward helping others through his involvement in many civic organizations.
Jeremy Shull
May 31, 2007
I work for MTA's Helpdesk and Always enjoyed speaking to roscoe on the phone as a matter of fact the whole staff just found out of roscoe's passing and we all starting talking and swapping stories and what a joy he always was to speak on the phone
Jani Reeder
May 31, 2007
Anyone who ever knew Rosco will never forget him. He never met a stranger and he never ran out of things to talk about. Rosco, you will be greatly missed by everyone.
Edward Ward
May 31, 2007
Roscoe was a person I always admired. His honesty and directness were attributes that I have tried to emulate. He was a good man.
The employees From Fred Meyer
May 31, 2007
Roscoe was always such a pleasure to talk to. Everyone one at Fred Meyer's will miss seeing you everyday. It was a privilege to have known Roscoe.
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