Obituary of Melvin R. Wike
Melvin Ralph Wike, age 78, of Channahon, passed away peacefully, Monday, June 20, 2022 at Lightways Hospice, with his loving family by his side.
Born April 3, 1944 in Centralia, IL, he was the son of Allen Ralph and Vela Virginia (Mainer) Wike. He met the love of his life, the former Norma A. Nolan, and they were married in 1963, and were looking forward to celebrating their 59th wedding anniversary on July 6, 2022.
A true craftsman with a steady hand, he worked as a maintenance welder for Caterpillar, Inc., for 32 years.
Melvin was a former member and Trustee of the First Apostolic Tabernacle of Shorewoodfor many years, and a current member of First Pentacostal Church of Westmont.
He was a prolific gardener who loved tending and mowing his beautiful yard. His grandchildren will long remember riding in the wagon behind in lawn tractor. Melvin was also a talented musician who loved to play the steel guitar, as well as other instruments, and passed on his musical abilities to his children and grandchildren. He was also a gifted builder and handyman.
Melvin loved his family and loved his Lord, and his devotion to both will never be forgotten. His unselfishness and willingness to help others was an example of his true Christian spirit, and included helping raise several of his grandchildren. Despite a number of years of pain and poor health, he never complained, and believed everyone else’s needs were more important than his own.
Surviving are his beloved wife, Norma; his devoted children, Dana (fiancé Charles Mapp) Wike of Virginia Beach, VA, Daniel (Monica Adriana Garcia) Wike of Phoenix, AZ, Darla (Jeremiah) Cayten of Westmont, David Wike of Channahon, and Dawn (Jason) Russell of Mitchell, IN; his adoring grandchildren, Trey Jones, Fernanda Iturbe, Joshua Iturbe, Nathan Wike, Chad Eckardt, Austin Russell, Jacob Cayten, Rachael Cayten, Chloe Cayten, Isabella Wike, Whitney Haas, and Katelyn Russell; four dear great-grandchildren, Elijah Jones, Emily Eckardt, Brielle Taylor and Esme Cayten; and his fond sister, Maris Foran.
He was preceded in death by two daughters, Deborah and Donna Wike; his parents; and a sister, Marla Wike.
Visitation for Melvin Wike will be held Sunday, June 26, 2022 from 11:00 a.m., until the time of funeral services at 2:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Graveside services will be Monday, June 27, 2022 at 12:00 Noon, at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Joliet.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
