William A. Wiltse

William A. Wiltse age 73 died Sunday, March 2, 2008 at The Laurels of Mt. Pleasant. He was born March 5, 1934 in Breckenridge Michigan, the son of Henry and Ethel (Cole) Wiltse. He was one of 13 children. Bill married Shirley (Colbry) November 1, 1952, with whom he had 5 children. Bill attended Ithaca High School where he was captain of the football team. After graduation, Bill joined the Army where he was stationed as an M.P. at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, and graduated from the Armys Armored Maintenance Program. Throughout his life Bill worked at Dow Chemical Company, for himself as a farmer, and for the State of Michigan in the Corrections Division performing prison maintenance. When his children were young, Bill was involved as a 4-H leader and Little League Coach. After retiring, Bill spent his winters at his home in Lakeland, Florida enjoying Detroit Tigers spring training games, tending his citrus trees, making fresh squeezed orange juice, playing pool and euchre. He spent his summers in Michigan with family and friends and traveling. Bill is survived by his children, Sherry (Roy) Clements of Vero Beach FL, Terry (Zane) Hubbard of Ithaca MI, Kathy (Craig) Hawkins of Midland MI, and William Scott (Debbie) Wiltse of Edmore MI; grandchildren Nathan Ryckman, Jordan Ryckman, Seth Roseland, Clark Hubbard, Elizabeth Wiltse and Ian Hawkins, along with great grandchildren Zachary Ryckman and Skyler Gilmore. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; several brothers and sisters; his daughter, Kristine M. Turner; and his second wife, Evelyn Wiltse. A private memorial will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the American Diabetes Association.