Joseph Franklin "Jeff" Wilhelm

Joseph "Jeff" Franklin Wilhelm, 79, of South Haven, died on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Born on December 17, 1946, in Noblesville, Indiana, to Tony and Eleanor Wilhelm, Jeff lived a life marked by creativity, faith, humor, and deep devotion to family.

Jeff is survived by wife of 56 years, Barbara; daughters Katie (Andre Van Schalkwyk) Wilhelm and Nell (Peter) Walker; and his cherished grandchildren Lila Walker, Maggie Walker, Max Walker, Sam Wilhelm-Van Schalkwyk, and Tillie Wilhelm-Van Schalkwyk. He is also survived by his sister, Pamela Stewart; niece Molly (James) Murray; and nephew Nick (Sarah) Stewart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Eleanor Wilhelm; Robert Simmermon; and his brother-in-law, Steve Stewart.

Jeff attended Noblesville High School and graduated from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He served as Vice President at Grey Advertising in Los Angeles before pursuing a career as a television and screen writer. His credits include work on MASH*, The Bob Newhart Show, Hunter, and Eight Is Enough, among others.

Later in life, Jeff followed a calling to ministry and attended Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, where he earned his Master of Divinity. At the age of 58, he was ordained as an Episcopal priest. He faithfully served at St. Stephen's in Beaumont, California, and St. Andrew's in Ojai, California.

Jeff will be remembered for his kindness, wicked sense of humor, generosity, and how he adored his loved ones. A Memorial Service for Jeff will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 3 p.m. at The Episcopal Church of The Epiphany, 410 Erie St. South Haven, Michigan 49090. Reverand John Wakefield will officiate.