State Rep. Dave Prestin today ensured the passage of his House Bill 4351, which would designate a stretch of U.S. Highway 41 as the Specialist David Anthony Wilkey Jr. Memorial Highway. Wilkey was killed in the line of duty by an improvised explosive device while serving in Baghdad on June 18, 2007.

“This legislation is more than a simple highway naming. For our U.P. community, it is a profound act of gratitude for a young man who gave everything for our state and our nation,” said Prestin, R-Cedar River. “Specialist David Anthony Wilkey Jr. was a true Yooper through and through – he cherished hunting, fishing, and the natural beauty of our region. This honor would mean the world to his family and his community. It would transform a familiar road into a lasting reminder of David’s selflessness, reminding travelers on US-41 to reflect on the high cost of freedom.”

Wilkey was raised in the Upper Peninsula. He was an avid outdoorsman and a proud member of his community.

At the age of 22, Wilkey answered the call to serve his country, deploying to Iraq with the 1st Infantry Division. After his tragic death, he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart in recognition of his bravery and sacrifice.

Wilkey left behindhis wife, a one-year-old son, a stepson, and an unborn child. He now rests in Spalding Township Cemetery. For the past 18 years, his family, his friends, and his neighbors have carried the weight of his loss.

The section of U.S. 41 that Prestin is working to rename in Wilkey’s honor is located just south of Powers in Spalding Township, the community where Wilkey grew up.

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