Robert Wildfong Sr

Robert W. Wildfong, Sr., 92, of Mancelona, passed away on December 8, 2014 at his home. Bob was born on May 25, 1922, in Mancelona, the son of Samuel and Alma (Pahl) Wildfong. Bob grew up on the family farm outside of Mancelona and attended Cedar River Country School House, Green River School then went on to graduate from Alba High School as Salutatorian. Following graduation he went to the Detroit area to find work at an aircraft engine factory. After a short employment there he was drafted into the military and singed up with the U.S. Marines Corps where he served until 1946. Upon completion of his military duty he came home to Mancelona where he Met Dorothy Alexander whom he married on March 1, 1947. In 1956 he established Bob's Auto Service which he owned and operated for many years, retiring in 1993. The most important part of his life was his family. Besides spending time with his family he was often found hunting or fishing. Besides his wife Dorothy, he is survived by two daughters, Coleen Sander of Mancelona, Diane Wildfong of Rapid City, 6 grandchildren, John (Karen ) Wildfong of Mancelona, Andrew (Honey) Sander of Spring Lake, Brian (Tonya) Wildfong of Traverse City, Eric (Melissa) Sander of Clare, Leigh (Evan ) Roehm of Saline, Andre Dalton of Cadillac, 12 great-grandchildren, Travis, Justin, Kasandra, Ethan, Carson, John Robert, Gavin, Samuel, Olivia, Keira, Mia, Elle, 2 great-great-grandchildren, Kinlee and Emma, a sister Dorothy Kootz as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son Robert Jr., a grandson, Derek Dalton, siblings, Walter, Orlo, Harold, Joseph, Juanita Carlson, Edith Anderson, Margaret Wildfong as well as his parents. Funeral services with military honors, will take place on Friday, December 12, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Mancelona Free Methodist Church with Louis Scholl officiating. Interment will be private in Fairview Cemetery, Mancelona. Visitation will take place on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Lake Football Program, P.O. Box 128, Central Lake, MI, 49622. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.