Virgle "Dutch" Wilhelm

Tahlequah, OK- Memorial services for Virgle Henry Wilhelm will be held on Wednesday, September 18th, 2019 at 1:00 PM at First Lutheran Church of Tahlequah with Pastor Clifton Loman officiating. Online condolences for his family may be left at www.reedculver.com.

Virgle Henry “Dutch” Wilhelm was born on Friday, June 30th, 1944 in Porterville, CA the son of Henry and Erna Wilhelm. He was born into a household with his 15-year-old sister, Miriam. During the Vietnam War, he served with the US Air Force, flying 101 combat missions as a Navigator in the F-4E Phantom. He married the jewel of his happiness and his best friend, Karen (Penny) Wilhelm on June 3rd, 1967 in St. Louis, MO. This union was blessed with one son and one daughter, Erik and Penny. Dutch was a specialized pilot and an aircraft mechanic. IA/A&P. He worked many years as a Human Resources Director in the manufacturing industry, but later served the world as a mechanic. The Airport community was a family for Dutch, and he was loved, feared and respected. He was also a proud member of the Black Sheep Squadron. Dutch had many families that loved him, and affectionately called him Tio. He collected guns and loved to shoot firearms. He was intelligent and quick witted, and loved to joke around. He always had that familiar smile on his face and was direct with everyone he worked with. He had, a grandson, Ryan Johnson. He had a granddaughter, Charlotte Wilhelm, and he loved keeping company and sharing time in her interests. He enjoyed gathering with his families for holidays and spending time whenever he could. A Christian by faith, he was a member of First Lutheran Church of Tahlequah, OK. His health began to fail him, and the Lord called this good and faithful servant home from his labors on Monday, September 16th, 2019 in Tahlequah, OK with his family by his side. Virgle was 75 years old and will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, his beloved wife, Karen, and his daughter, Penny Johnson.

Those left to cherish Virgle’s memory include his son and family, Erik Wilhelm and wife Stephanie of Bedford, TX, a sister, Miriam Fricke and husband Linford of California. He lives on