Richard "Dick" Hoelke

Richard Hoelke,
"Dick"
Dick was born into eternal life (age 93) on Memorial Day, May 30, 2022.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Nancy (nee Puerner), Children, Amy Weymier (Jayson), Jonathan (Heather, nee Heidke), and Sarah Anderson (Mike). Grandchildren, Alexander "AJ" Hoelke, Eli Hoelke, Andrew Weymier, Hannah Weymier, and Brooke Hluchnik, Candice (Brian) Rasch, Alyson (Ray) Sterling, Larz Anderson, Jordyn Anderson, Londyn Anderson, and Sawyer Anderson, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents Alex and Anna (nee Hinz) Hoelke, brothers Roy (Edie) Hoelke, and Howard (Byrll) Hoelke.
Dick was born in West Allis, Wisconsin at home on May 21, 1929, and baptized that same day. He was a lifelong confirmed member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in West Allis. He was a graduate of Nathan Hale High School and then began working at Photo Art until he was drafted into the US Army. He proudly served his country in the Korean War for 2 ½ years. He was in the field artillery division where he loaded large caliber guns. Dick was also a courier of war plans and maps. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, he resumed work at Photo Art until he started his own company, Ideal Audio-Visual Inc/ Ideal Pictures, located at 45th and North Avenue, and later moved to 55th off Lincoln Avenue. Ideal Pictures was the Midwest Walt Disney film depository. If you ever saw a movie in school or camp on 16 mm film reels, no doubt, it came from his office. He was honest in business and kind to all he worked with. Dick sold the business and retired in 1995 which launched his new career as grandpa daycare. Additionally, he worked part time at Elliott's Ace Hardware. He will truly be remembered for his kind and loving heart by everyone who knew him.
Dick was an avid train buff and did much work for the Milwaukee Road Historical Society. His love for trains took him to multiple conferences across the country with his train pals, Bob and Bob, and of course they took the Amtrak to get there. He shared his love of trains with his grandchildren, who loved setting up track and playing trains with "Shrampa".
Dick and his family took numerous family vacations across the country visiting family and friends. Trips were usually centered around historical landmarks and US history sites. A special family trip to California included a stop at the Walt Disney Studios to see movie production firsthand. On their 30th wedding anniversary, they took a trip to visit family and friends in Singapore and Hong Kong. For their 40th wedding anniversary, Dick and Nancy took the Splendor of the Fall cruise on the Queen Mary II.
In May of 2019 Dick was recognized by the Milwaukee Brewers as the Veteran of the Game. A very fitting tribute for a Brewer baseball fan and proud veteran.
Dick was a proud member of the West Allis Suburban Kiwanis Club and also served on the West Allis Safety Commission.
Our family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at St. Luke's Hospital Knisley building 10th floor and Zilber Family Hospice for their amazing care and compassion for Dick and his family.
Visitation for Richard "Dick" Hoelke will be held at ST. PAUL'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 7821 W. Lincoln Ave, West Allis, WI, Thursday, June 9, 2022, from 4:00 PM until time of the Funeral Service at 6:00 PM.
Burial with full Military Honors will be held Friday, June 10, 2022 at Highland Memorial Park 14875 W. Greenfield Ave, New Berlin, WI. Please meet at 9:45 AM at the cemetery office.
Memorials given in Dick's honor will be divided by the family to St. Paul's Lutheran Church West Allis and the Milwaukee Road Historical Society.
Enjoy your everlasting Manhattans, keep track of the train schedule for all of us, and don't forget to put a Kleenex in your pocket.