Robert (Kip) Wilke III

Robert (Kip) Wilke III peacefully passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at his home in Balsam surrounded by family and friends.
Kip was born in Marlborough, Connecticut on June 26, 1944. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jane Wilke; brother, Steven Wilke; and children, Davetta Brooks and Donald Malamphy.
Kip was a helicopter mechanic in the U.S. Navy for seven years. He loved sailing, fishing, being on the ocean and traveling. Kip worked his way up from deck hand to Captain in the Maritime system sailing throughout the Caribbean, the Atlantic, Gulf of America and South America.
He was an active member of the Sylva Moose Lodge where he played Santa for many years and generously supported their charitable work. He will be remembered for his lively personality, wonderful storytelling, love of a party and his deep devotion to his wife, Dolly.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Dolly (Humphrey) Wilke; son Robert Wilke IV of Des Moines, Iowa; grandchildren, Brandi Sloop (Joseph(, Cody Malamphy, Saira Bartlett, and Heather Lindsey; and great-grandchildren, Cora Sloop, Maverick Bartlett and Wrenley Mann.
There will be a Celebration of Life at the Sylva Moose Lodge to be announced at a later date.
Appalachian Funeral Services is in charge of the arrangements.