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Wilbur VanNortwick
Wilbur “Willie” Ory VanNortwick, 101, of Ludington, passed away Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Oakview Medical Care Facility in Ludington. He was born May 2, 1923, on the family farm in Pere Marquette Township, the son of Ory and Ruth (Nelson) VanNortwick.
Willie was a Veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army 701st Military Police Battalion, stationed in China. In 2015, Willie was part of a group of veterans aboard the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight to Washington DC.
On February 18, 1950, Willie married Audrey Lois Crampton at Zion Evangelical Church (now St. Paul United Methodist Church) in Riverton Township. He was a lifetime
member of the church and held many leadership and volunteer roles over the years. In retirement, he could often be found caring for the church grounds.
Together, Willie and Audrey ran a successful fruit farm in Riverton Township. Willie was one of the founding members of Mason County Fruit Packers (now Indian Summer Co-Op) and he remained an active member of the co-op until his retirement from farming in 1982.
In 1960, Willie and some of his friends built the legendary Ludington Ski Hill on Morton Road providing skiing opportunities for their children and ultimately for many others as well.
Willie was most definitely known to never throw anything away because “you never know when you might have a need for that some day”. Being an incredibly talented mechanic and fabricator came in handy when farm equipment or vehicles needed attention and especially when he decided to build his own cherry shaker (no doubt using some of those items he never threw away).
It was Willie’s varied interests and sense of adventure and curiosity that sparked many experiences during his life, including being a single-engine airplane pilot, riding in a hot air balloon, white water rafting at the age of 60 and even skydiving when he was 86. He absolutely loved traveling with his wife and family, and was able to visit all 50 states, Mexico and every province in Canada. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially when accompanied by his family members and friends. Willie also took pleasure in a good bowl of butter pecan or black cherry ice cream, especially if it came from the House of Flavors!
Willie is survived by: his wife of 74 years, Audrey; three daughters, Pam (Bill) Bernard, Lesa (Barry) Petrucci, and Gail (J.W.) McCormick; his son, Kim (Nancy) VanNortwick; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren with one more on the way; and several nieces and nephews.
Willie was preceded in death by: his parents; his daughter, Laurie VanNortwick; and his brother, Marshall VanNortwick.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at 2 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Riverton Township, with Rev. Joseph Beaven and Rev. Barry Petrucci officiating. The family will receive friends Friday, Sept. 27 from 5 to 7 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 28 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the church. Military honors will be conducted under the auspices of the American Legion Edwin H. Ewing Post #76.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 3212 W. Kinney Rd., Ludington, MI 49431, with UMCOR Midwest Distribution Center notated or Elara Caring (Hospice) 4743 US-10, Suite 2, Ludington, MI 49431.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
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