Jack Wilhelmson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jack Wilhelmson, who departed this life on Friday, September 12th at the age of 91 at his residence in Mount Pleasant, SC. Jack was a cherished father, grandfather, and great grandfather, a devoted member of many communities, and an inspiration to all who knew him.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Wilhelmson and Irene Wilhelmson; son, Randall Scott Wilhelmson; and his wife of 50 years, Donna Jean Wilhelmson.

Jack Wilhelmson was born on June 27, 1934 in Nevada, MO, and was a graduate of Nevada High School. After his initial career started in the oil and gas fields of Kansas and with the Missouri Pacific Railroad he served with the US Navy where he began building his electronics knowledge. He later graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, MO, with certificates in both Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. Jack dedicated his career to the fields of Mechanical, Electrical, Biomedical, and Aeronautical Engineering and was an inventor with over 100 patent applications during his life, leaving a lasting impact on colleagues and those he served. In addition to tremendous professional achievements, Jack was deeply involved in the experimental aviation community as a pilot and builder. He was an expert in the field, always striving to make a difference and push the boundaries. Jack was also a devout Christian and member of the Lighthouse Church Worship Center.

Above all, Jack was a loving patriarch to his wonderful family. He is survived by his by his son, Ronald Wilhelmson and his wife, Julie, of Holly Springs, NC; his daughter, Lora Lee Rouse and her husband, Don, of Apex, NC. He had seven grandchildren: Dustin, Lucas and Ben Wilhelmson, Amber Bradley and Randall Wilhelmson, Jr., David Anderson and Jessica Deatherage and their many children; and one sister, Katherine Vencill, and her husband John Vencill, of Gainsville, GA. We will all cherish the memories and lessons he shared.

Jack WIlhelmson's legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all who were privileged to know him. In lieu of flowers and memorials, the family asks that we all make a paper airplane and fly it in remembrance of Jack's spirit and his life-long love of flight and the creative engineering he always strived for in releasing us from the bounds of earth. Over and Out!

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.