Robert W. Wike

Robert W. Wike, 88, of Muhlenberg Township passed away in the early hours of Monday, December 11, 2017 in the Reading Hospital after a long battle with cancer. Married for 66-years, Bob was the loving husband of Marlene F. (Baer) Wike.

He was born in Reading and a graduate of Reading High School, class of 1947. After graduating Bob worked at Allen Sherman Hoff in Hamburg as an electrician and at the Bachman Company as a Maintenance Supervisor, retiring in 2001.

He was a Colonel in the U.S. Army. Inducted into the Army in 1952 during the Korean War, Bob's basic training was in Fort Indiantown Gap and he completed Officer's Candidate School at Ft. Benning, GA, graduating as Second Lieutenant. Active duty was served with the 52nd Armored Engineer Battalion, 6th Armored Division. Bob then served as an Army Reservist holding various positions as Operations & Training Officer. In 1979, he was promoted to Colonel and appointed Director of Instruction of the Command & General Staff for the 2059th USAR School in Allentown, later retiring after 27-years of service.

He was a member of Good Shepherd UCC church, Reading, for over 50-years where he served on Council as a Deacon. He received award recognition for his 27-years of service from the Muhlenberg Twp. community and was honored with a Hometown Hero banner which hangs in Jim Dietrich Park. Bob was a Life Member of the NRA, a member of the Reserve Officers' Association, Social Club at Goodwill Fire Co., Northmont Assoc. and the American Legion. He was also active in Boy Scouts.
Bob and Marlene enjoyed spending time together at their cottage on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. They also enjoyed horseback riding together, locally and while on vacation. Bob and Marlene visited 45 states including Alaska and Hawaii. They also traveled to Canada and on their 50th anniversary they took a European vacation where they enjoyed visiting Switzerland, Austria and Germany.

In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by two children, Kristie A. (Wike) Hurter and Jeffrey W. Wike, husband of Ann Biehl Wike as well as two grandchildren, Kaityln M. Wike and Joseph R. Hurter, all of Reading. Other survivors include cousins: Marilyn (Baer) Brown, wife of Bruce Brown; Janet (Baer) Albright, wife of Wayne Albright III; and Margaret (Baer) Sonon, wife of Irvin Sonon.

He is predeceased by his mother, Catharine Bolig; son-in-law, Robert D. Hurter; and cousin, Tom Baer.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 15, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in the Good Shepherd UCC Church, 170 Tuckerton Rd., Reading, PA 19605, officiated by Reverend Janet Boyd and Reverend Randall Grossman. A viewing will take place prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. also in the church. Interment will be in Good Shepherd Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Good Shepherd UCC Memorial Fund at the above church address.

Milkins Giles Funeral Home, Inc. is trusted with the arrangements. Directions and expressions of condolences are made available at www.milkinsgilesfuneralhome.com.