Robert G. Wilhelm, Jr.

Robert G. Wilhelm, Jr., 74, of Powell, passed away peacefully at home on August 20.

He was born in Baltimore, Maryland to Annette (Medinger) and R. Gordon Wilhelm on March 13, 1944.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carole (Tracey) Wilhelm, and their son, Andrew R. Wilhelm.

A graduate of Case Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering in 1966, he received his M.S. in Systems and Control Engineering from Case Western Reserve University in 1968. Bob entered the field of process control and automation in its infancy and was the consummate engineer. He was hired in 1969 by Industrial Nucleonics Corp. and became a Senior Principal Engineer. He retired from ABB in 1990, at which time he began his consulting business, Objective Control.

After a fulfilling career, he was diagnosed with glioblastoma in late 2016.

Bob was a registered Professional Engineer, held several patents, and authored numerous publications. He was admired for his technical knowledge and teaching by his peers and remembered as an outstanding role model by his son Andy. His intelligence, values, wit, and appreciation for the arts, nature and travel will sustain Carole and Andy. Classical music, opera and jazz gave Bob immense joy as did playing the piano. Fine woodworking and photography were passions. In recent years Bob served as president of Chamber Music Columbus and later as treasurer of the Powell Liberty Historical Society. His eyes were donated to the Central Ohio Lions Eye Bank and will be used for research.

Arrangements for cremation were handled by Funeral Consumers Alliance of Central Ohio and Cook & Son-Pallay Funeral Home.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd. on Saturday, September 29, at noon. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Chamber Music Columbus, PO Box 14445, Cols. 43214; Carpe Diem String Quartet, 3982 Powell Rd., Ste 25, Powell 43065; or Ohio Health Hospice, 800 McConnell Dr., Cols. 43214.

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