Friends,

Let's capture some of why we loved Wilke so much. As one friend of his put it:

"...write up an anecdote – some story where they watched Wilke build up into righteous anger when reporting a story... or ironing out a crease in the fabric of the Journal bureau... And someone should talk about him tearing up when he described taking his kid to college…..Or when he became nearly inconsolable when the anthrax story came back and cost him two fantastic seats at the Nats-Mets game. Describe a time he filled in for people, picked up their loads for them, counseled them, slipped them incredible sources, shared bylines... that will keep him alive and you (and the rest of us) afloat."

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Remembering Wilke

Wilke, what a loss of a fine man, talented reporter and friend. He was a such a damn good writer and tenacious researcher. I always planned out when and how I'd pitch him on a story. Late in the day was the best time for me to actually find Wilke at his desk. As a publicist for law firms, getting him interested was like getting an A. "What have you got for me" was music to my ears, especially when he'd say, "Can I have an exclusive on that?" And he surely took time to get his stories right. He'd follow the lead and dig deep. He was so fair, tough and loyal to his sources. And when one of his stories came out in the Journal, he'd always appreciate the feedback call. "Did you see I quoted your guy, what did you think of the story?" You will certainly be missed Wilke, you were one very unique reporter.


Deborah Schwartz

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