The family of Charles W. Wilhelm have invited the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to accompany him to his final resting place and to attend Military Honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
Charles was born on 13 July 1933 and entered into eternal rest on 30 November 2018.
While attending high school and working at Western Union. Charles joined the Army National Guard of Illinois on 1 May 1950. He was called up for active duty in his senior year of high school and reported on 15 May 1951.After basic training he was sent to Germany where for 5 months he was a crewman driving heavy trucks and also a cannoneer. In the next 14 months he completed food services school, and received his GED while overseeing the mess hall. He also achieved the rank of corporal. He was awarded the OCC Medal-Germany. He was discharged from active duty on 20 December 1952 and the Illinois National Guard on 30 April 1953.
He returned to Chicago after his discharge and went to work for Commonwealth Edison in the motor pool where he remained for 40 years. He met the great love of his life Lenore Miller and had 4 children during his 42 years of marriage to Lenore. In his time with Commonwealth Edison he worked his way up from cable splicer to crew leader, foreman, inspector and engineer.
After his retirement he relocated to San Diego and traveled the next 15 years visiting family and friends.
Charles enjoyed working on cars, fishing, camping and taking pictures. He also volunteered at his church parish and served on the local Village Board.
Charles is preceded in death by Lenore after their divorce and a great grandson, Eli. He is survived by his sons, Steve (Mary), Mark (Trish), Scott (Amy) and his daughter Janet (Don) who is a Patriot Guard Rider. He also has 8 grandchildren, and 6 going on 7 great grandchildren.
Note: This mission posting is to facilitate your volunteer participation in honoring this military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family to his final resting place. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
Time table for Monday 18 March 20190845 - Stage at Springhill Suites 9625 Mariposa Rd. Hesperia, CA
https://goo.gl/maps/84uzoWi514y0915 – Briefing
0930 – KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, (Staging area #1) 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA
https://goo.gl/maps/SpEwPeMnotD21100 – KSU to assigned Shelter for Flag Line, Service and Military Honors.
R/C Craig Lane, USMCSo Cal PGR Ride Captain
bigredroadglide@yahoo.com
760-900-0388
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
