4 replies to this topic

[szautke]

David Uihlein has passed on. It was his dedication to the history of Harry Miller and foresight of preserving the engines and chassis' of racecars of the first half of the twentieth century helped steer vintage racing to where it is today.

Uihlein, David Vogel David Vogel Uihlein was born in Milwaukee on July 27, 1920, the son of Joseph E. Uihlein Sr. and Ilma Vogel Uihlein. He passed away peacefully at his home in Mequon, WI on Friday, January 29, 2010 at the age of 89. He is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Margery Holley Uihlein "MM", his children Lynde Bradley Uihlein of Milwaukee, and David Vogel Uihlein Jr. (Julia) also of Milwaukee; grandchildren Sarah Olson Zimmerman (Steven), Milwaukee; John Uihlein Olson (Ellen Blakstad) of Oslo, Norway; Dr. Alexander Uihlein (Lily), Boston; MA; Elizabeth Uihlein, Chicago, IL; Charles Uihlein, Milwaukee; great-grandchildren Joseph and Nathaniel Zimmerman, Milwaukee, and Hedda Olson of Oslo, Norway. He is also survived by Margery Uihlein's children Barbara Kuehn Frank (Richard) and Philip Gregg Kuehn (Kathryn) of Milwaukee; John Corliss Kuehn (Cris Mulvey) of Missoula, MT; her grandchildren, to whom he was also "Poppo", John Frank (Elsie Sunderland), Peter Frank (Katy); Charles Kuehn (Jane); Andrew Kuehn; Seppe Kuehn (Hope Mechelson); Erika Kuehn; and great-grandson, Reid Frank. Mr. Uihlein was a 1939 graduate of the Hill School, Pottstown, PA.

He worked at the Schlitz Brewing Company for a year before heading to the U.S. Brewers' Academy in New York City. He attended University of Wisconsin in 1940-41where he was one of two walk-on freshman football players who received letters. He proudly served in World War II as an ambulance driver for the American Field Service in Italy, Austria, and India. A businessman, he acquired the Banner Welder Co. in 1949. It continues as a successful business today. Carrying on his family's heritage in the brewing industry, he also purchased and ran the Oshkosh Brewing Co. in Oshkosh, WI, from 1961 to 1969. He served on corporate boards including Schlitz Brewing Co., Briggs and Stratton, Allen-Bradley Co., and First Wisconsin Bank.

Mr. Uihlein was a man of many enthusiasms. He had a colorful personality, and was a wonderful storyteller. He was an ardent naturalist and outdoorsman. He was happiest hunting or fishing in northern Wisconsin or Canada with "MM". He was the founder and president of the Milwaukee chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society and active in his support of Ducks Unlimited, the Trout and Salmon Foundation and the Nature Conservancy, among others. Mr. Uihlein was an avid collector.

He collected antique cars, especially 1930's Indianapolis 500 race cars, as well as old boats, airplanes, and duck decoys. He restored many of his classic cars with his own hands. A 1925 Bugatti, a gift to Mrs. Uihlein, won a blue ribbon in 1989 at the Concours D'Elegance in Pebble Beach, CA. In 1995, he founded the Harry Miller Meet. This national show and race car event is held every year at the Milwaukee Mile for collectors and aficionados of antique race car engine designer Harry Miller.

Mr. Uihlein will be deeply missed by family and friends for his great love of life, his capacity for friendship, fun, and devotion to causes close to his heart. The family wishes to thank all those who have provided devotion, care, and comfort for Mr. Uihlein. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, from 4 to 7 PM. A private memorial service will be scheduled at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ruffed Grouse Society, National Audubon Society, The Hill School, or the charity of your choice.

http://www.legacy.co...n&pid=139158920

[bradbury west]

Was it Mr Uihlein who had the Don Lee Indy 1947 Alfa tipo B for all those years?
Roger Lund

[szautke]

Was it Mr Uihlein who had the Don Lee Indy 1947 Alfa tipo B for all those years?
Roger Lund

Yes, Mr. Uihlein owned the Alfa. It was, was sold at auction several years ago. Beautiful patina on that car. One of my favorites.

Edited by szautke, 01 February 2010 - 04:28.

[Henri Greuter]

Ah, this is sad to have happened.

I had the fortune to have met mr Uihlein.
it is a shame that his work and the people he gathered around him to assit him in his mission neverwill get the reward and acknowledgement from the majority of the current US racing fans.
America has an era in which they built race cars to be proud of.


Rest in peace mr Uihlein.
And thanks for all your efforts to preserve a great chapter within racing history


Henri Greuter

[Michael Ferner]

RIP, David Uihlein.

You carried the torch - many thanks from a fellow Miller afficionado.