Capitol News

State Representative Dave Prestin has moved forward with House Bill 4351, which proposes to name a portion of U.S. Highway 41 as the Specialist David Anthony Wilkey Jr. Memorial Highway. The bill passed through committee and aims to honor Wilkey, who died in Baghdad on June 18, 2007, after being killed by an improvised explosive device while serving in the military.

“Naming this section of highway in his honor will serve as a lasting tribute for Specialist Wilkey –not only to his sacrifice, but to the loved ones he left behind,” Prestin said. “This stretch of U.S. 41 will serve as a reminder for all who pass by that the freedoms we enjoy are secured by the courage of those who serve.”

Wilkey was from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and was known for his love of the outdoors and involvement in his community.

“Specialist Wilkey’s classmates remembered him as a young man of character and compassion,” Prestin said. “The kind of person who really cares for others.”

At age 22, Wilkey joined the military and deployed to Iraq with the 1st Infantry Division. He received both the Bronze Star and Purple Heart posthumously for his actions.

Wilkey is survived by his wife, a one-year-old son, a stepson, and an unborn child at the time of his death. He is buried in Spalding Township Cemetery. For nearly two decades, his family and community have continued to remember his service.

The highway section proposed for renaming is located just south of Powers in Spalding Township, where Wilkey grew up.