Livonia, Michigan – A recent baseball game saw a key play involving Wiltsie and Manory, according to a brief sports update. While details are sparse, the event highlights ongoing athletic activity within the region.
Beyond this singular play, the name Wiltsie resonates within the community through a complex family history spanning generations. Records indicate a strong connection to the Livonia and Detroit areas of Michigan, with roots extending back to Canada.
The Wiltsie family’s story, as pieced together from available genealogical resources, begins with John Wiltsie, born in Ontario, Canada, in . He was the son of Hiram Wiltsie and Elizabeth Mary Middaugh. John later married Zanette Stevens on , and together they had at least seven children.
Fast forwarding to the mid-20th century, William Arthur Wiltsie (born ) emerges as a central figure. He married Ann Marie Gagnon on , and they remained married as of recent reports, with Ann Marie still living. William and Ann Marie had a large family, including William Arthur Jr., Kathryn Ann, Mary Ellen, Thomas Michael, Barbara Susan, Rosemary Sharon, Charles David, David Allen, Joseph Lawrence, Paul Christopher, Susan, and Patricia Jean.
The family tree reveals a pattern of marriage and, in some cases, divorce, with numerous grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. William Arthur Jr. Married and divorced Roxanne Foresman, and later married Karen Laws. Kathryn Ann experienced similar marital changes, divorcing both Thomas Schubert and Erik Vettergren II. Mary Ellen divorced Charles Skene, while Barbara Susan divorced John Youngerman. Rosemary Sharon married Larry Milliken in . Charles David divorced Janice Bryant, and David Allen divorced Colleen Chapman before marrying Deena Calvin Leith.
The lineage continues with Joseph Lawrence marrying Denise Deamon, and Paul Christopher marrying and divorcing Laura Fackenbinder. A tragic note appears with the mention of Susan, who died in (or possibly August 1963) from heart failure, as a baby. Patricia Jean was born in .
More recently, the family has experienced loss. Shelly Lee Wiltsie McCrory, born on , passed away on , in Wayne, Michigan, and is buried in Michigan Memorial Park in Flat Rock. Michael Thomas Wiltsie, born in , died at the age of 38. His obituary, published by Fred Wood Funeral Home, details a life marked by athletic achievement and intellectual curiosity. He excelled in football, track, and weightlifting, and demonstrated a keen interest in finance and the stock market.
Michael’s passing, noted in an obituary dated , prompted a visitation and funeral service in Livonia. The obituary also highlights his love for animals, specifically his dogs Daisy, Piglet, and the late Justice. He is survived by his parents, Dave and Colleen Russell, siblings Brett, Daniel Leith, Lauren Bateman, Casey Russell, and Todd Russell, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends.
The Wiltsie family’s story, while seemingly localized to Michigan, reflects broader patterns of migration, family formation, and loss common across North America. The family’s Canadian origins, their establishment in the Detroit area, and the subsequent dispersal of its members illustrate the dynamic nature of family histories and the enduring ties that bind generations together. The recent passing of Michael Wiltsie serves as a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the importance of remembering those who came before.
The genealogical information available through WikiTree and other online resources underscores the growing accessibility of family history research. These platforms allow individuals to connect with distant relatives and piece together fragmented narratives, preserving family legacies for future generations. The Wiltsie family’s documented history, though incomplete, provides a valuable glimpse into the lives of ordinary people and the forces that have shaped their experiences.
