David H. Wakem

David H. Wakem passed away peacefully at the Aroostook House of Comfort on May 6, 2026. He was born in Caribou, Maine on June 28, 1938, the son of J.Herbert and Geneva (Meelan) Wakem. He graduated from Caribou High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in economics at Ricker College in Houlton, Maine. After serving 2 years in the US Army as a communications specialist in the 40th Signal Battalion at Ft. Gordon, Georgia, he returned to Caribou where he was employed for several years as the commodities manager at Beaver Brook Farms. Upon the death of his father, he then assumed ownership of the family business, Automotive Supply Company until it was sold. He was also co-owner of the Sweden Street Plaza with his longtime friend and businessman, Robert Solman. He then pursued his lifelong interest in antique and classic car collecting and restoration. There was hardly a parade or a wedding when one of his collectibles wasn’t pressed into service with either him as a driver or his wife, Dottie, at the wheel with the kids aboard. He and the family also enjoyed many years at their camp at Madawaska Lake. An almost daily outing was to check the warehouse that housed his auto collection and a visit with his cousins at Sleeper’s Market where the topic of conversation could be business, politics or hot dogs. As an avid reader, he was remarkably learned in U.S. political history, and particularly military history and aviation and maintained an impressive library. He was active in the community, having served on the boards of the Caribou Hospital District, Pines Health Services, the Jefferson Cary Foundation and the Aroostook Trust Company. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Dorothy (McCarthy) Wakem, a daughter, Catherine Williamson (Robert) of Chandler, Arizona, a son, Andrew Wakem of Windham, Maine and his sister, Alyce Nobis of Scituate, Ma. and many cousins. Also survived by his long-time cherished friends, Peter Fisher and Robert Solman and predeceased by Robert Mockler. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 am Tuesday May 26, 2026 from the Parish of The Precious Blood Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Donations in David’s memory can be made to The Jefferson Cary Foundation P.O Box 89 Caribou Maine 04736 or the Aroostook House of Comfort PO Box 867 Presque Isle Maine 04769. Burial services will be held at a later date at the Maine Veteran’s Cemetery with an Honor Guard. Arrangements by Mockler Funeral Home 24 Reservoir St. Caribou Maine. www.mocklerfuneralhome.com