Lorraine Marie Wiltz

Lorraine Marie Wiltz, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to many, passed away April 12th, 2024 in Traverse City, Michigan at the age of 99. She was born to the late Alfred Earl Braam, a Dutch immigrant, and the late Beatrice Amelia Bowden on November 2nd, 1924 in Flint, Michigan. Lorraine’s life was filled with love and compassion for those around her. She was a devoted wife to her husband of 70 years, the late William Allen Wiltz, a loving mother to Linda (George) Sharpe of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Kathryn (Stephen) Barnes of Traverse City, Michigan; and Robert (Karen) Wiltz of Brookfield, Wisconsin. Grandmother to Blair (Michelle) Sharpe, Nicole Sharpe, George (Missy) Sharpe, Sarah (Robert) Seekamp, Katie (David) Fielder, Melissa Barnes, Brent (Nina) Wiltz, Bradley (Lisa) Wiltz, Karaline (Chad) Huenink and great grandmother to 18 great grandchildren; Stella and Joe Sharpe; Elle, Amelia, Evelyn and Drew Sharpe; Brecken and Logan Seekamp; Brett, Jace and Cassady Fielder; Giuliana, Alexis and Austin Wiltz; Ava and Jacob Wiltz; Henry and Willa Huenink. She was preceded in death by her late son William Robert Wiltz. Lorraine met Bill at a dance club, Knickerbockers, after he had just returned from England, serving in the Air Force in WW II. They danced through life for seventy loving years together. They began their married life in Howell, Michigan and from there moved to Flint, ultimately settling in Grand Blanc, Michigan for 62 years. A woman of deep faith, she was one of the founders of Kirkridge Presbyterian Church in Grand Blanc, where she was an Elder and teacher. She wrote the church bulletin for many years. After she and Bill moved to assisted living, she held bible study in her apartment. A verse from a poem titled Inner Peace that she wrote: “His Blessings, His Grace, His Faith sustain me. Nothing more do I need, For Faithful Prayer and Thankfulness, is all He required from me.” Lorraine had many talents. Her talent in needle work led to her membership in the Needle Work Guild of America. She created many beautiful needlepoint gifts for her family and crocheted/knitted hundreds of bonnets and booties for the nurseries at many local hospitals. Her talent and passion for gardening led her to a long-time membership and officer of the Grand Blanc Garden Club. Another one of her many talents was painting in both watercolor and oils. Her cherry and apple pies were a family favorite, and nobody has been able to duplicate them! Lorraine and Bill loved to travel and enjoyed winters in Florida where they followed their beloved Detroit Tigers. She was a huge sports fan. After Bill retired, they bought a motor home, traveling to all the University of Michigan football games, both home and away. The motor home took them as far west as California and east to Nova Scotia. Lorraine loved playing golf until she was 90 years old. She knew that staying active, walking, and maintaining a positive attitude would keep her happy and mobile in her later years. Fishing was also one of her favorite past times and she would “jump” at the chance to have a fly rod or cane pole in her hand. Lorraine and Bill spent their summers boating on Indian River and the Chain of Lakes and on Hamlin Lake where she loved to water ski. She had a love for music that was evident throughout her life, sharing her love of Glen Miller band, Frank Sinatra, and Broadway show tunes. She also played the piano and organ in her home. The family would like to acknowledge their deep appreciation for the care received at Abby Park Independent Living Center in Grand Blanc, Michigan and most recently at Traverse Manor in Traverse City, where she was lovingly cared for as though she were family. The staff called her “Miss Fashionista” because she was always well dressed and adorned with jewelry. The family is planning a private celebration of life in the summer of 2024 where she will be interred at Lakeview Cemetery, Howell, Michigan next to her beloved William and late son, William Robert. Gifts can be directed to a charitable organization of your choosing.

Lorraine Marie Wiltz

November 2, 1924 - April 12, 2024