Wood Carvings By Mike Delke

"Not Always a Carver"

I Have not always felt that artistic. I have how ever have always enjoyed hobbies that were hands on intensive. I have almost always crafted items out of wood, shop class in school was one of my best. Play guitar, was in a group in high school, still have one but play little. Graduated school joined the Navy in 1970 spent the next 8 years serving proudly around the world.

In 1970 also married the love of my life, in November while home on leave. Have always loved the outdoors. Watching wildlife go about its business. Deer hunting was an important part of my life. I had 6 brothers and sisters 3 of each. We lived on a farm, and the venison came in very handy to supplement our food supply. I was the oldest of the 7.

When I returned to the area after my stint with the Navy I began driving semi tractor trailer across country. Not much for a home life but it did pay the bills. after about 10 years of different driving jobs. I was injured and had to have shoulder surgery. While recuperating from that a friend if mine and I built a business plan for our own business. Built that business for 10 years. We sold it at a time when we both wanted other things. and it was profitable.

Went to school became a paramedic, have worked there for the past 9 years. While in paramedic class my DAD was diagnosed with emphysema,. He was a very talented man carved, painted, had a very calculating mind. He became bed ridden and unable to carve. While I was visiting he gave me a few of his carvings. A couple of months later he died. When my mom came back to Michigan from Florida to live she gave me a few of his carving tools and blanks. They sat in a box for 2 years. One day while I was cleaning I found that box and decided to give it a try and see what the attraction was. Well now I am hooked. So goes the saga of the YOOPER Carver.