Robert (Bob) "Ike" Ikelman
Chaplain - Air Force
1938-2021
Bob Ikelman began his 28 year career with the United States Air Force in 1961, and over that time successfully completed many assignments. In 1962 he completed pilot training at Moody AFB, GA. From 1962-1965 he flew C-130's at Charleston AFB, SC. From 1966-1967 he served in Vietnam, flying C-123's. While there he was awarded two Distinguished Flying Cross medals and several other service medals. Upon return from Vietnam, he again flew C-130's, first at McGuire AFB, NJ and then at Dyess AFB, TX. From 1969-1972 he represented the USAF as an acceptance pilot of C-5 aircraft purchased from Lockheed-Martin in Marietta, GA. In 1972 Bob completed Squadron Officers School at Maxwell AFB, and earned a Masters in Public Administration from Auburn University in Montgomery, AL. From 1973-1977 he served at Norton AFB, CA as a flight safety investigator, flying both C-5's and various other aircraft in order to stay current. In 1977 he moved his family to Dixon, CA, where he served the remainder of his military career as a C-5 Aircraft Commander at Travis AFB. It was in this capacity that Bob got to do what he loved most, which was flying USAF cargo planes all over the world. He retired from the USAF in 1989, only to continue serving his former colleagues as flight safety instructor in the C-5 simulator at Flight Safety Services Corporation at Travis AFB. He retired from this position in 2001.
Meanwhile, from 1984-1988, Bob participated in Diaconal Formation classes in order to achieve his goal of becoming a deacon in his beloved Roman Catholic Church. He felt both blessed and humbled to be ordained in 1988 as a permanent deacon to serve at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Dixon, CA. He served faithfully until he was required to retire in 2013. As chaplain, Bob continued serving the families of many military comrades by officiating at burial services at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, where he was also on the board.
Meanwhile, from 1984-1988, Bob participated in Diaconal Formation classes in order to achieve his goal of becoming a deacon in his beloved Roman Catholic Church. He felt both blessed and humbled to be ordained in 1988 as a permanent deacon to serve at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Dixon, CA. He served faithfully until he was required to retire in 2013. As chaplain, Bob continued serving the families of many military comrades by officiating at burial services at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, where he was also on the board.
Bob Ikelman was the longtime Chaplain for Post 8151
