1945
Douglas
2011
Douglas Ilka
February 13, 1945 — March 11, 2011
Douglas Victor Ilka
Age 66, longtime resident of Huntington Woods, passed away on Friday, March 11, 2011, at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, due to complications related to pneumonia. Born February 13, 1945, in New York City, then moved to Detroit as a young boy. Attended Michigan Tech in Houghton before joining the United States Navy. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, he joined the Detroit News as a reporter and enjoyed a 40-year career there, most recently in the position as a copy editor on the City Desk.
Douglas was the beloved husband of nearly 35 years to Linda and the loving stepfather of Jacqueline Holmes her partner Katerina and Heidi Todd Reed. He was also a very proud grandpa to Amber, Nathan, Rachel, and Samantha Reed and was looking forward to the arrival of his new grandson in June to Jacqui and Katerina. He was also a dear brother to Dr. Richard Ilka and Elizabeth Ilka and their pre-deceased sister Susan. His nieces and nephews and their growing families were a constant source of pride and joy as well.
Douglas was an avid golfer and loved to travel with his family. He equally enjoyed his 100% Finnish heritage. In 2009, he combined his love of travel and his Suomi roots by visiting Finland where he, his wife, and cousins, were able to meet extended family and explore their grandparents' villages. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in Douglas' memory to the Huntington Woods Public Library, 26415 Scotia Road, Huntington Woods, MI 48070.
Age 66, longtime resident of Huntington Woods, passed away on Friday, March 11, 2011, at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, due to complications related to pneumonia. Born February 13, 1945, in New York City, then moved to Detroit as a young boy. Attended Michigan Tech in Houghton before joining the United States Navy. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, he joined the Detroit News as a reporter and enjoyed a 40-year career there, most recently in the position as a copy editor on the City Desk.
Douglas was the beloved husband of nearly 35 years to Linda and the loving stepfather of Jacqueline Holmes her partner Katerina and Heidi Todd Reed. He was also a very proud grandpa to Amber, Nathan, Rachel, and Samantha Reed and was looking forward to the arrival of his new grandson in June to Jacqui and Katerina. He was also a dear brother to Dr. Richard Ilka and Elizabeth Ilka and their pre-deceased sister Susan. His nieces and nephews and their growing families were a constant source of pride and joy as well.
Douglas was an avid golfer and loved to travel with his family. He equally enjoyed his 100% Finnish heritage. In 2009, he combined his love of travel and his Suomi roots by visiting Finland where he, his wife, and cousins, were able to meet extended family and explore their grandparents' villages. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in Douglas' memory to the Huntington Woods Public Library, 26415 Scotia Road, Huntington Woods, MI 48070.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Douglas Ilka, please visit our flower store.
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