Visitation will be held Friday, October 4, 2024

3:00pm-8:00pm

Fred Wood Funeral Home 

36100 Five Mile Rd. Livonia (E. of Levan)

Funeral Service will be held Saturday, October 5, 2024

Gathering 10:00am   Service 11:00am

Fred Wood Funeral Home ~ Rice Chapel

36100 Five Mile Rd. Livonia (E. of Levan)

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions’ may be made to:
Detroit Dog Rescue

P.O. Box 806119, St Clair Shores, MI 48080

Michael Thomas Wiltsie age 38, of Mt. Pleasant and Redford. Cherished son of Dave (Deena) and Colleen (Larry) Russell. Beloved brother of Brett, Daniel Leith, Lauren (Evan) Bateman, Casey (Deb) Russell and Todd Russell.  Cherished godfather to Capri. Loving dog dad to Daisy, Piglet and the late Justice.  Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents Thomas and Joan (Danneels) Chapman and William and Ann Marie (Gagnon) Wiltsie. Also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Michael had muscle power and brain power.  His quiet, inner strength propelled him to excel in athletics.   He had a passion for playing football, running track, lifting weights, riding quads, and playing disc golf.  As a linebacker, Michael used his knowledge of the game, raw physical strength, and pure grit to earn numerous accolades.  Michael was introspective and smart.  His natural and intuitive brain power led him to academic awards, employment in logistics, and a passion for playing the stock market.  Both on and off the field, Michael’s tenacity and fortitude defined his character.

Michael had heart power, too.  Those who knew Michael could not help but feel his presence.  Though quiet and reserved, if you cracked his exterior, you were met with a very deep, literal,  extremely intelligent, and caring young man.  Brett was devoted to his brother and Michael reciprocated.  Their bond of brotherhood will never be broken.  His step-brother and step-sister were more than siblings, and their connection is a testament to the true meaning of a blended family.  Michael’s stepmom and stepdad embraced their son with love, respect and gratitude.  Michael’s buddies, and his special girl, knew the depths of his loyalty and now value  the priceless memories of great times spent together.  Michael’s quiet, inner strength and fierce allegiance came from the adoring, never faltering, deep love of his mom and dad.  

Michael’s heart had a daily dose of happiness with his canine companions.  His girls, Daisy and Piglet, have stayed behind with cousin Letty, and now Justice and Michael walk together  forever.  

While we weep and wrestle with the sudden loss of our beloved Michael, Nick has extended his hand from heaven so they may share the joy of an everlasting arm wrestling championship.  

Godspeed Michael.