Dorr Norman Wiltse, Jr.

Dorr Norman Wiltse, Jr. of Caro, age 92, passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born on May 1, 1934, in Denmark Township, the son of the late Dorr and Gladys (Garner) Wiltse, Sr. Norm graduated from Caro High School with the Class of 1952, where he excelled in sports, and went on to further his education at Central Michigan University and Michigan State University.

On August 25, 1956, Norm married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Pattie (Ertel) Wiltse. Together, they shared 66 years of marriage, building a life filled with family, friendship, and countless memories. Pattie preceded Norm in death on December 25, 2022.

Norm began his working career at General Motors in Flint before joining the Michigan State Police in 1956. During his career with the M.S.P., he served at the Ionia Post and, on two separate assignments, at the Pontiac Post. While at the Ionia Post he earned his pilot’s license. A master marksman, Norm competed with the M.S.P. Pistol Team, earning individual and team honors at both the national and international levels. He was also assigned to the M.S.P. Sniper Suppression Team and retired from the Michigan State Police in 1975.

Also in 1956, Norm was drafted into the United States Army during the Cold War. In 1957, he was assigned to the Army Shooting Team at Fort Bliss, Texas, and was honorably discharged in 1961. He continued his military service with the Army Reserves and the National Guard while remaining active in competitive shooting with the M.S.P. Team, including participating in the annual National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio. In 1974, the U.S. Army Reserve recruited Norm back as a sergeant and assigned him to the All-Army Reserve Pistol Team at Fort Benning, Georgia. Over the course of his military service, Norm received three honorable discharges from the United States Army and one from the Army National Guard.

Following his retirement from the Michigan State Police in 1975, Norm began a new career as a Michigan Mutual Insurance agent, taking over his father’s agency. In 1986, the agency merged with Rummel Agency, where he continued working as an independent agent until his retirement in 1993.

Retirement did little to slow Norm down. He continued pursuing the many interests that brought him joy throughout his life. From 1980 to 2000, he coached the Indiana State Police Pistol Team, leading the team to five National Police Championships. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, Caro Masonic Lodge #226, and Royal Arch Caro Chapter #96, and was honored as Mason of the Year in 2004.

Norm was also deeply involved in his community. He was a charter member of the Watrousville-Caro Area Historical Society and a past member of the Lions Club, Caro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Downtown Development Board, Business Economic Development Advisory Council for the Human Development Commission, and Tuscola County Medical Care Facility Family Council.

A lifelong student of history, Norm co-authored published books with James Kelly on Michigan antique firearms makers. His many interests included lumbering, competitive shooting, antiques, history, reading, the Civil War, fitness, exercise, and, above all, helping others. He especially loved spending time with his family and treasured time spent at “the shack”.

Throughout his life, Norm cherished the friendships he built and maintained. He deeply valued his longtime friends while always welcoming the new friendships he made along the way. His life was marked by service, curiosity, accomplishment, a genuine desire to help others, and the love he had for his family and friends.

Norm leaves to cherish his memory, his daughters, Linda Mis and Debra Wiltse-Sholten & her husband, William Sholten; grandsons, Adam Jacob (Courtlyn) Sholten, Trevor (Sara) Sholten, and Jeremy Sholten; great-grandchildren, Henry, Wyatt, and Lucy Sholten; sister, Shari (Jim) Wiltse-Keckler; nephews, Charles (Angela) Keckler and Joseph Keckler; great-nephew, Alex Keckler; and many cherished friends.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Residential Hospice team in Caro for the exceptional care, kindness, and support they provided to Norm and his family. A special thank you to Emily, Holly, Dr. Winters, Christina, Jeff, and Dawn for their compassion, dedication, and comfort.

Norm’s funeral service will be on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Ransford Funeral Home in Caro. Rev. Michele Hile will officiate with the burial following at Indianfields Twp. Cemetery with military honors afforded by the United States Army and Caro American Legion. The family will be present to receive visitors on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of his service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.