Richard Wilcke, the former director of the Equine Industry Program at the University of Louisville, died peacefully April 18 at Shelbyville Hospital.
Wilcke, of Pleasureville, Ky., joined the University of Louisville College of Business faculty, later becoming the director of the Equine Industry Program. He loved teaching and was beloved by his students. He continued working at UofL until his retirement in 2014.
Wicke was born in 1943 in Albany, N.Y., to Dr. Burton and June Wilcke. He attended the Albany Academy, where he met Janny Nyquist, a student at the Albany Academy for Girls. Wilcke and Janny married in December 1966 and had five children. In 1968, he graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in agriculture.
A true polymath, Wilcke had a prodigious career and countless lifetime pursuits. While at KSU, he competed in rodeo and on the livestock judging team. He served briefly in the Marine Corps Forces Reserve, spent several years in broadcasting, and worked as the director of information for the Kansas Livestock Association. He acted as CEO of a national business association in Washington, D.C., and was founding executive director of the Maryland Million and executive vice president of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association.
Wilcke had innumerable interests and passions. In addition to his lifelong involvement in the equine industry, he was a bibliophile and lover of ideas. He enjoyed reading, writing, and collecting books. He derived endless joy from the peace and beauty of his farm.
Above all, he was a devoted and supportive husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend. He'll be fondly remembered by all who were lucky enough to know him.
He was preceded in death by his sons, William and Benjamin Wilcke. He's survived by his wife, Janny; his daughters, Ardith, Caroline, and Madlen; eight grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, and countless family members and friends.
There will be a small memorial for Wilcke later this spring and the family will notify loved ones at that time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the Brown Cancer Center.
