Walter L. Wilhelm

Walter Lee Wilhelm, age 76, passed away on December 10th, 2025. Driving back from visiting his brother in Ohio, he suffered a sudden medical emergency, but remained composed enough to control his vehicle and prevent harm to others. Walter passed away the same way he lived his life: protecting the community around him.

Walter was born in Put-in-Bay, Ohio, to parents Frederick and Eva Wilhelm. From an early age, he knew his calling as a firefighter, often getting into trouble at school for skipping class when he heard the fire sirens sound. To the great benefit of so many people, his need to help was something he couldn't resist. Walter joined the United States Air Force in 1968 as a firefighter. He transitioned to civilian life in 1972, but stayed on as a firefighter at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, continuing to follow his passion, often volunteering his time as well. He began to work part time at the base, and part time with the Chesterfield Township Fire Department. After dedicating more than thirty years of his life to Selfridge, he retired from the base, but not from being a firefighter. He continued working at the Chesterfield Township Fire Department, eventually making Captain and retiring (for real this time) in 2017. For nearly fifty years of his life, Walter put his community first, selflessly and courageously risking his life to save countless others. And yet, this was only part of who he was.

Walter, better known as Walt to his family, met his wife, Debbie, in 1972 and they were married just three months later. They soon started a family and were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Wendy and Rachel. Wendy and Rachel both recall how playfully goofy he was, loving to spend time outside and making them laugh with his pranks, naming him the "Master of Disaster". From summers in Ohio spent on the lake, fishing and swimming, to winters in Michigan spent ice skating by Swirly Top, Walt was a loving father and husband, soaking up every second of happiness he created with his family. As the years rolled by, he got upgraded to "Opa" with seven grandchildren, then two great-grandchildren. He never lost his lighthearted nature, despite being mercilessly teased year after year for (unfortunately) being an avid Ohio State fan. Yet, ignoring this rather glaring red flag, pun intended, his family adored him endlessly.

When he wasn't protecting his community or enjoying time off with his family, Walter served as a Trustee for his church, Good Shepherd Lutheran. He loved being involved in community service projects and devoted much of his time giving back to God, who had blessed him with so much.

Walter, Walt, Dad, Opa, is survived by his wife, Debbie Wilhelm, his two daughters and their spouses, Wendy (Charles) LaPointe and Rachel (Robert) Malt, his seven grandchildren and their spouses, Madeline (Philip) Colón, Joey (Azurley) Wilhelm, Shaun Malt, Nathaniel Malt, William Malt, Hanna Malt, and Brendon Malt, and his two great-grandchildren, Gabe LaPointe and Annabelle Colón, along with Walt's two siblings.

The family is organizing a viewing at Wasik Funeral Home (New Baltimore, MI) on Friday, December 19th from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. There will be an additional viewing on Saturday, December 20th, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (New Baltimore, MI) from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a church service at 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Lunch to follow at The Palazzo Grande (Shelby Township, MI) at 1:30 pm.