Obituary of Robert Wiltshire

Robert Lee Wiltshire of Elwell, MI, passed away in his home on February 19th, 2024, at the age of 77.

Robert was born during a particularly memorable blizzard to Fred and Mary (Bush) Wiltshire on January 22, 1947, in Alma, Michigan. Growing up on the family farm, he was the elder brother to sister Sharon, and six years later, his brother Douglas; both of whom he adored. Through childhood and into his teenage years, Robert was passionate about playing baseball most of all.

Advised by his father not to go into farming, Robert graduated from Ferris State University and became a skilled tradesman, focusing his skills in the machine shop as a tool and die maker. Later in his career, he proudly worked in the experimental engine machine shop at Oldsmobile in Lansing, then General Motors in Lansing and Pontiac, until retirement in 2008.

In 1968, Robert married Janice (Johnson) Wiltshire and shortly after built a home in Charlotte, MI where they raised their sons David and Daniel. As a father, Robert was always generous with his time and support, whether taking the boys and their friends on fishing trips, jaunts to the sledding hill, or throwing the baseball around after school. As his sons’ little league coach, as in life, Robert had an innate sense of fairness. He believed in giving each kid, no matter their skill level, equal time. He understood that the lessons of the game were about the process and not solely about the win.

After retirement, Robert built a house next door to his childhood home, looking after his mother until her death in November 2023. Though he was a reserved man by nature, Robert most loved being in the comfort of family and taking in the discussions around him. We share with Robert endless memories of conversations, stories, and jokes, and trust that he’s now joined in laughter and joy with those family members who left before him that he had so dearly missed.

Robert is preceded in death by parents Fred and Mary (Bush) Wiltshire, brother Douglas Wiltshire, and brother-in-law Bruce LeBarre.

Robert is survived by his children David Wiltshire of Bellevue, MI, and Daniel (Ann) Wiltshire of Grand Rapids, MI, their mother Janice (Johnson) Wiltshire of Charlotte, MI, and sister Sharon LeBarre of Constantine, MI, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Robert's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 24th at the St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Shepherd, Michigan. There will be visitation from 10 a.m. until time of service. 

Arrangements made with Cremation Society of Mid-Michigan. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com