In Memory Of
Klaus Jã¶Rgen Wilckens
1938
2022
Klaus Jã¶Rgen Wilckens
February 23, 1938 — January 19, 2022
Klaus Jörgen Wilckens, age 83, of Longwood, Florida passed away on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at AdventHealth Hospital in Altamonte Springs, FL.
Klaus was born on February 23, 1938 in Hannover, Germany. He served his country as a member of the United States Army from 1960-1963. Upon his honorable discharge, he went to work for Boeing on the Minute Man Missile program as a photo coordinator for the national defense system. In 1963, he was accepted into the technicolor photo program at NASA, where he was given the opportunity to photograph bald eagle nesting for research purposes for the National Wildlife Research, and the first rollout of the space shuttle Enterprise at Edwards Air Force Base. The photography of the subsequent landing of the Enterprise during its first test flight was the most celebrated of his career.
His career at NASA took him to Kennedy Space Center in 1974, where he had the opportunity to photograph Robert Crippen, John Young, as well as the development of the Gemini Capsule. He also was fortunate enough to photograph four United States Presidents, international dignitaries, and royalty. His greatest joy at NASA, however, was standing alongside Space Center employees who watched with pride as their many hours of hard work were rewarded with successful launches of the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs.
Klaus was also tasked to be the investigative photographer of the Apollo 1 disaster, and later the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster; two events he personally witnessed and left him with great respect for the bravery and courage of astronauts who risked their lives in the name of space exploration.
He retired after 38 years of service as a master photographer. In his own words, it was a wonderful ride! With years of experience in still photography, and his skills in motion photography, high speed and tracking cameras, he never stopped looking for that one perfect memorable moment – even in retirement. He enjoyed traveling, wildlife, and raising three successful young men.
Klaus is survived by his loving wife of 11 years, Terezia Wilckens of Longwood; a step-daughter, Andrea Bomberovicova; a step-granddaughter, Ivana Bomberovicova; a step grandson Andrej Bomberovic; two step-sons, Peter Farkas, and Thomas Farkas; and additional step-grandchildren, Danny Farkas, Sammy Farkas, and Olivia Farkas.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Walli Anni Emmi Wilckens; and his son, Gunther Wilckens.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 12:00 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home - South Seminole Chapel, 335 E. State Road 434, Longwood, Florida 32750 with Chaplain Mike Caroline officiating.
Visitation will be held on Thursday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the funeral home.
To share your memories of Klaus or leave a special condolence message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
Klaus was born on February 23, 1938 in Hannover, Germany. He served his country as a member of the United States Army from 1960-1963. Upon his honorable discharge, he went to work for Boeing on the Minute Man Missile program as a photo coordinator for the national defense system. In 1963, he was accepted into the technicolor photo program at NASA, where he was given the opportunity to photograph bald eagle nesting for research purposes for the National Wildlife Research, and the first rollout of the space shuttle Enterprise at Edwards Air Force Base. The photography of the subsequent landing of the Enterprise during its first test flight was the most celebrated of his career.
His career at NASA took him to Kennedy Space Center in 1974, where he had the opportunity to photograph Robert Crippen, John Young, as well as the development of the Gemini Capsule. He also was fortunate enough to photograph four United States Presidents, international dignitaries, and royalty. His greatest joy at NASA, however, was standing alongside Space Center employees who watched with pride as their many hours of hard work were rewarded with successful launches of the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs.
Klaus was also tasked to be the investigative photographer of the Apollo 1 disaster, and later the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster; two events he personally witnessed and left him with great respect for the bravery and courage of astronauts who risked their lives in the name of space exploration.
He retired after 38 years of service as a master photographer. In his own words, it was a wonderful ride! With years of experience in still photography, and his skills in motion photography, high speed and tracking cameras, he never stopped looking for that one perfect memorable moment – even in retirement. He enjoyed traveling, wildlife, and raising three successful young men.
Klaus is survived by his loving wife of 11 years, Terezia Wilckens of Longwood; a step-daughter, Andrea Bomberovicova; a step-granddaughter, Ivana Bomberovicova; a step grandson Andrej Bomberovic; two step-sons, Peter Farkas, and Thomas Farkas; and additional step-grandchildren, Danny Farkas, Sammy Farkas, and Olivia Farkas.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Walli Anni Emmi Wilckens; and his son, Gunther Wilckens.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 12:00 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home - South Seminole Chapel, 335 E. State Road 434, Longwood, Florida 32750 with Chaplain Mike Caroline officiating.
Visitation will be held on Thursday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the funeral home.
To share your memories of Klaus or leave a special condolence message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Klaus Jã¶Rgen Wilckens, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Thursday, January 27, 2022
10:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions
Service
Thursday, January 27, 2022
Starts at 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions
Guestbook
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