John David Wilhelm, Lt Col USAF (Ret)

John David Wilhelm, Lt Col USAF (Ret)

August 24, 1935 – April 10, 2025

John David Wilhelm, age 89 years, was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Frederick and Elizabeth Wilhelm on August 24, 1935. He had three siblings, two brothers, Fred and Rich, and his sister, Mary. Dave became a lifelong Cubs fan during the time the family lived in Chicago going to home games at Wrigley Field with his father and brother, Fred. During World War II, the family ensured the neighborhood Victory Garden next door to the house was kept watered. After the war, the family moved to Glendale, California, where he was active in school sports. After graduating from Hoover High School, he attended Occidental College in Los Angeles.

While working part time at a dry cleaning facility, he was introduced to Charleen Leaverton from Pocahontas, Iowa, whose aunt, Betty and uncle, Jim managed the business. According to Dad, it was love at first sight. After graduating from Occidental College, he received his commission as a 2^nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force and in 1958, he and Charleen were married and began their 22-year Air Force career together. They were stationed throughout the United States and in what was then West Germany (their favorite assignment) where the family was able to travel around Europe and establish lifelong friendships. Dave loved traveling to new places, and he and Charleen were able to enjoy the opportunities to do that while in Europe. Dave also served extended tours away from the family in Southeast Asia and Guam during the Vietnam War. He sent movies, pictures, cards, and letters often, and we all treasured those brief phone calls when he was able to call, especially Charleen.

In December 1973, Dave was assigned to Offutt Air Force Base where the family remained after his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel in July 1979. They joined St. Bernadette Catholic Church upon arrival to Omaha, and he was an active parishioner there for nearly 52 years. He served as a money counter and parish festival worker for many years. Firm believers of the value of a Catholic education, Dave and Charleen enrolled three of their kids at St. Bernadette School and all six kids graduated from Daniel J. Gross Catholic High School. Both Dave and Charleen were avid supporters and Booster Club members of the school. He worked in the school’s business office, and both he and Charleen were members of the Marianist Society.

Dave loved listening to and reading about music, even volunteering at the local classical music station KVNO and attending events by the Omaha Symphony and the Omaha Community Playhouse for many years. They became “snowbirds” in Mesa, AZ soaking up the warm Arizona sun and were active in their winter park community taking advantage of all the activities, and of course, traveling around the southwest or visiting family in California. They enjoyed various cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska and trips to Disney World with family. In 2014, they finally made it to Hawaii with the rest of the family joining them, and it was the best family vacation ever in that tropical paradise.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick L. Wilhelm and Elizabeth C. Sweeny; stepmother, Gladys J. Wilhelm; brothers, Frederick L. Wilhelm, Jr. and Richard P. Wilhelm; his cherished wife, Charleen Kay, of nearly 60 years.

He is survived by his sister, Mary E. Pascoe; daughters: Yvonne Schilz, Barbara Wilhelm, and Karin Wilhelm; sons, John (Kathy), Phillip, and Andrew (Jill); grandchildren: Kelsey Wilhelm Kovacs (Alex), Michael Wilhelm (Jessi), Christian Cook and Red Wilhelm; great-grandson, Baker Wilhelm; and many nieces and nephews.

VIGIL SERVICE: Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 7:00PM with VISITATION from 5:00-7:00PM at the West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Wednesday, April 23rd at 10:30AM, with VISITATION from 9:30-10:15AM at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 7600 S. 42nd Street, Side 2, Bellevue, NE.

INTERMENT: Wednesday, April 23, 2:30PM, Omaha National Cemetery with Full Military Honors, 14250 Schram Road, Omaha.

Memorials are suggested to the Wilhelm Family Endowment at Gross Catholic High School and St. Bernadette Catholic Church.

To view live broadcasts of the service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.

Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com