Washington, DC—American Life League president Judie Brown issued the following statement after learning of the death of close friend and founder of Cincinnati Right to Life, Dr. Jack Willke:
I have known Dr. Willke since my days as an Ohio Right to Life chapter member from Steubenville, Ohio (1975). During those days he became interested in my writing for the chapter newsletter, and the rest is history. When my husband was transferred, he arranged for me to volunteer my time at the NRLC offices in Washington, DC, which I did from 1976 to 1979. He then even recommended to Dr. Mildred F. Jefferson—my boss and president of NRLC at the time—that a salary for me was a good idea. What started out as a few hours a week turned into a full-time job!
Dr. Willke was the consummate educator, the expert witness at hearings, the inspirational speaker at national events, and most of all, a mentor to anyone who crossed his path and needed guidance.
While he will be sorely missed, his legacy and the fine work of his right-hand man, Brad Mattes, guarantees that he will live on in ways we cannot now imagine. We will all miss you, Jack. You are in our hearts and prayers.
Judie Brown, President
American Life League, Inc.
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