Gerald Wilste

Our much loved Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle and Friend passed away on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at New Hope Valley West in the company of family. He was 92 years old.

Gerald was born April 30, 1930, the seventh child of Norman and Mary Wiltse in Saginaw Michigan. He attended SS Peter and Paul School and graduated in 1948. While in High School he was a member of the 1947 State Championship basketball team that was inducted into the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. After graduation he served his country in the US Air Force stationed in Alaska. Jerry owned the Gulf gas station on the corner of State and Center for a time. He then became employed at Saginaw Steering Gear, retiring in 1987.

Jerry married Donna Crampton on November 20, 1954. They were married 65 years until Donna’s death in 2021. They traveled together to many places including Ireland, Italy, and Israel. Golf was a favorite pastime of his and he played into his 90’s. He was a lifelong Catholic and attended Holy Spirit Church. Jerry was also a 3rd degree Knights of Columbus; member.

Jerry is survived by his children and grandchildren, Michael [Ninoska] and their children Stephanie [Brandon] Steele and Patrick Wiltse; Mary [Bob] VanPoppelen and their children Brandon [Kelly], Travis [Karrie], Celeste [David] Liebrecht and Ashley [Michael] Rourke and Jeanann [Steve] Greenwood and their children Greg [Michelle] Hall, Adam [Jaclynn] Hall, Sarah [Mark] Musser, Emily [Andrew] VanBuskirk, Nicholas [Ariel] Greenwood as well 20 great grandchildren with three more expected next year, as well as many loved nieces and nephews.

Jerry was predeceased by his wife Donna, son Patrick, parents Norman and Mary and siblings; Patrick, James, Jack and Thomas Wiltse, MaryJane Hofnecht and Betty McGaw; mother and father in law Lawrence and Cecilia Crampton, sister in law and her husband Doris and Kenneth Jacques Sr and brother in law Lawrence Crampton Jr.

The family would like to thank the staff and residents of New Hope Valley West for their kindness and care. He made many new friends while there. They are also grateful to the Care Team Hospice staff who took wonderful care of him.

FUNERAL: A funeral liturgy for Gerald will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 9, 2022 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1035 N. River Rd., Saginaw, MI. Rev. Fr. Peter Gaspeny to officiate. Interment to follow in St. Andrew Cemetery.

VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Thursday, December 8, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Vigil for the Deceased at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church Friday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may consider a donation to the Eastside Soup Kitchen.