Southborough – Helmut Lelke, 69, of Southborough and Brewster, passed away on Friday, May 3, 2013. He was the husband of Donna (Pike) Lelke for the past 42 years.
He immigrated to the United States in 1957 and became a citizen before he graduated from high school. He earned his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Wayne State University in Detroit and worked for Raytheon for almost 40 years.
During his career, Helmut earned many patents, mostly for his work in digital displays for air traffic control systems.
He was a member of Charles River Radio Control Club, Greater Boston Soaring Club, which flies out of Sterling Airport, and Cape Cod RC Club. Along with flying radio controlled planes and full scale gliders, he enjoyed nature, bird watching, hiking, sailing and designing and building model gliders.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Heidi Lelke of Somersworth, NH, Wendi Lelke-Wallway and her husband Justin of Oakland, CA, and Dr. Johanna Lelke of Berkeley, CA; his siblings, Harry Lelke of BC, Eugene Lelke of SK, Anita Behnke of BC, and Elli Eichhorst of MI; his grandchildren, Elsa and Dylan Wallway; and many nieces and nephews.
The funeral and burial will be private. Arrangements are under the directions of the Morris Funeral Home of Southborough. To leave words of condolence for the family, please visit www.morrisfuneralparlor.com.
Memorial contributions may be sent in his memory to the Mass. Audubon Society, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln, MA, 01773.
