Siegfried E. Thewke

Siegfried E. Thewke, age 81, of Perry, NY passed away at his home on Monday January 11, 2021, with family at his side.
He was born on February 18,1939, in Oldenburg, Germany a son to the late Ewald O. and Frieda K. (Gotz) Thewke.
Sig was a 1959 graduate of Wellington C. Mepham High School in Bellmore, New York; a 1962 graduate of the Alfred Ag. Tech Institute (now SUNY-Alfred) with a Associates Degree; a 1964 graduate of the University of Georgia-Athens with a Bachelors Degree; a 1967 graduate of the University of Missouri with a Master Degree; and a 1977 graduate of the University of Missouri with his PHD.
He was employed by the USDA-ARS Biological Control of Insects Research Laboratory in Columbia, MO for 3 ½ years, worked as the curator of the Entomology Research Museum at the University of Missouri for 9 years, then became the New Hampshire State Entomologist until his retirement in 2000. He then worked in a garden center, hardware store and camera shop “to keep busy”.
Sig had many hobbies and interest including ancient history, antique tools, woodworking, photography, botany, stamp collecting and clocks (Particularly 100 day clocks). He was a member of the Covington Historical Society, the Wyoming Historical Pioneer Association and a 41 year member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors.
He is survived by his wife: Judy (Altoft) Thewke whom he married on Sept. 6, 1964, daughter: Heidi (Dennis) Shields of Solon, Iowa, Son: Erik Thewke of Perry, sister: Edelgard Thewke of Tucson, Az., brother and sister-in-laws: James Altoft of Fl., Gloria Altoft of Warsaw, Jill Altoft of Ohio, Mary Jane Halstead of Perry, 3 grandchildren: Nicole (Nicholas) Johns of Ct., Matthew (Karyn Overmann) Wilkins of Iowa, and Emily (Nathan Armstrong) Wilkins of Iowa, 3 great grandchildren: Olivia and Lucas Johns and Ian Armstrong, along with many nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his in-laws: Robert and Elcy Altoft, a sister-in-law: Kyle Wixson Altoft, brother-in-laws: David Noniewicz, Rick Halstead and Bill Altoft, niece: Rachel Lafferty and nephew: Brad Altoft.
A Memorial gathering will be held in the spring.
Siegfried will be laid to rest in LaGrange Cemetery in Covington.
Memorial contributions may be made to the NAWCC- Chapter 13 C/O Phil Sortore 10856 Transit Rd. Pavilion, NY 14525, Covington Historical Society C/O Shirley Jeffres 567 Crossman Rd. Wyoming, NY 14591 or to the Wyoming Historical Pioneer Association C/O Denise Ballinger 5218 Park Rd. West Castile, NY 14427.