Ralph W. Wilkewitz

Obituary for Ralph William Wilkewitz (1943-2025) Ralph William Wilkewitz passed away peacefully on October 17, 2025, after a brief stay at Memorial Hospital in North Conway, New Hampshire. Ralph was born at home in Detroit, Michigan, to Richard and Mildred (Wegner) Wilkewitz. He arrived on March 17, 1943, and loved that his St. Patrick’s Day birthday was a big party. Growing up in the 1940s and 50s, Ralph could walk to Briggs (Tiger) Stadium and ride his bike safely on Michigan Avenue. He was raised in a German/English family and attended Lutheran church, a Lutheran grade school, and graduated in 1960 from Lutheran High School. In 1965, Ralph joined the Detroit Police Department and worked there for 25 years before retiring as a sergeant. He said of his time in the department, “It was fun, it was sad. I got several meritorious service citations, I got some reprimands, I saved a life, I shot, I was shot, and I got shot at. I made many friends, I lost a few friends, and I delivered a baby—the highlight of my career.” He was proud to be a Detroit Police officer but was ready for change when it ended. Ralph met his wife, Sunni McKay, who preceded him in death, in 1970, and they both retired from law enforcement in 1990, at which time they moved to Eaton Center, NH. They loved their life in small-town New Hampshire. They made maple syrup and apple cider, raised beef cattle, pork and chickens, and sold their eggs, pumpkins, corn and additional vegetables to local stores and inns. They hosted annual "punkin’ chunkin’" parties, haunted barns, the Eaton Fourth of July picnic, Christmas parties, and other celebrations. Ralph is survived by his three children—Sandy Hooten, Mike Wilkewitz, and Sherry Wilkewitz, along with his stepson, Bill Saly; ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; his brother, Tom, and a niece and nephew. Arrangements were made through Furber Funeral Home and Cremation Services in North Conway. There will be no service. His ashes will be scattered at Moose Track Pond campground. It was his request that those remembering him say a prayer for all active-duty police officers.