I was the DD for the Phoenix District from 1984-1994 and worked with Dave as a co-manager of the Western Region of INS.  He was a gentleman and a great individual.  I miss him.
Ruth Anne Myers (scottsdale, AZ)

Just heard from FORBPO.  I met David Ilchert shortly after arriving in San Francisco in 1971.  He was ADD/Natz and later DD.  I admired his directness and above all, I soon found out, you couldn't be dealing with a fairer man.
Manny Cornejo (Pembroke Pines, Florida)

Dave was one of the best bosses I ever had (I was OIC in Fresno for 3 years). I could talk to him. I started out calling him Mister Ilchert till one day he told me in annoyed tone, "Call me Dave. I'm not that much older than you." I stayed in touch with him through the years and he was always Dave. He was a good man! Joe B. Bennett, Georgetown, TX

Dave was one of the best bosses I ever had (I was OIC in Fresno for 3 years). I could talk to him. I started out calling him Mister Ilchert till one day he told me in annoyed tone, "Call me Dave. I'm not that much older than you." I stayed in touch with him through the years and he was always Dave. He was a good man!

Mr. Ilchert will be remembered as a fair and even-handed District Director.  He would show a tough fascade but would always do what is right for the Service and for the individual.  Mr. Ilchert was greatly respected and admired by all in the immigration bar.  I was sadden to hear of his passing.

I just heard about Dave from the neighbor and was sorry to hear he had passed.  He and Wanda were my neighbors for years.  Barbara Truax, 8 Balra.

Dave Ilchert was a tough guy on the outside, with a heart of gold beating strongly beneath.  I was privileged to work for him and with him for almost two decades, and to get to know him personally.  His strong leadership, and his no-nonsense approach to enforcing the laws were plain for anyone to see, but he also had genuine compassion toward others and high ethical standards.  He had an unusual ability to cut through all the extraneous things to get right to the heart of what was going on, and to then call the right shots as to what was needed to get things done.  Over the years, Dave continued to grow as a public figure, commanding great respect from both those within the government, and those whom the government served.  I also admired Dave for his fond devotion to his family, and to the community with all his volunteer activities -- Dave could have a very taxing day at work, but his face would light up when talking about an upcoming Lions Club event.

I started with the INS in 1987, and it was at this time that I started working with Mr. Ilchert (he'll always be "Mr. Ilchert" to me).  He treated all the employees like family and we all appreciated that.  He somehow managed to remember everyone's name in an office of several hundred, and he always managed to remember some personal fact about you.  He was gentle and always had a kind word whenever I met him.  A few times, I would do something to make him angry and he'd yell at me and then a few minutes later, my transgression would be forgotten.  A great man, a great boss, and a true gentleman.  The world is darker for his departure, but heaven is a little bit brighter.  I am a better person for having known him.

OBITUARY

David Nagel Ilchert

May 27, 1926 – August 9, 2010

Keaton’s Redwood Chapel of Marin

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