Gary Lee Wiltse Sr.

Gary Lee Wiltse Sr., age 91, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away Sunday, February 8, 2026.

He was born in Marlette, Michigan, on July 18, 1934, to Bernice (Gage) Wiltse and Raymond Wiltse.

Gary attended Owosso, Michigan, public schools before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1952, where he proudly served our country. After that he worked at Midland Ross in Owosso before he followed his calling as a craftsman. Gary relocated to Arizona where he lived for over 50 years designing elaborate woodwork for stores, banks, churches, kitchens. He worked in all aspects of carpentry and woodworking, including designing and crafting doors, furniture, wall units, and cabinets.

His hobbies were archery and woodworking. He was an accomplished long bow archer in his younger years in Michigan, and in Phoenix, well into his eighties, receiving medals in the Senior Olympics. His passion was working in his fully equipped woodshop where he worked until age 90 designing and making things for family, friends, and neighbors.

Gary truly cared for people, opening his home to many family members as they began lives in Arizona. He was a good man with a big heart, who was a lender, a caregiver, and a teacher.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Beverly (Melvin Collard), and his brother Rex Wiltse.

He is survived by his brother Rick Wiltse; his children Sheree (Mark) Miller, Loretta Kay Wiltse, Gary Wiltse Jr., and Tina (Jac) Lytle; his grandchild Kelsey (Adam) Curtis; and his great-grandchild Ava Curtis.