Robert V. "Bob" Wirtz, age 94, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on November 10, 2026 at Legacy Assisted Living in Jackson, MI.
Bob was born on March 11, 1932 in Detroit, MI, the son of Lionel and Catharine (Bueke) Wirtz. He graduated from East Detroit High School and shortly thereafter began working for Chrysler at the Mound Road Truck Assembly Plant.
He enlisted in the United States Air Force with the 86th Fighter-Interceptor Wing. He served as an airplane mechanic aboard an aircraft carrier during the Korean War. He departed from San Francisco in 1952, sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge enroute to Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1956 as Airman First Class.
Bob married Yvonne (Martin) on December 15, 1956, and together they enjoyed nearly 70 years of marriage, raising two children, Denise and Craig. Bob worked for the Chrysler Proving Grounds in Chelsea as a driver/mechanic, and then in the Wind Tunnel, from 1956 until he retired in 1987.
Bob and Yvonne traveled extensively across the United States, settling in southern Texas as Snowbirds for 24 years. He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. He was an avid woodcarver, in Texas as well as with the Chelsea Senior Center woodcarving group.
In addition to his wife, Yvonne, Bob is survived by a daughter, Denise A. Wirtz of Chelsea, MI, and son, Craig Wirtz of Honor, MI. Bob will be cremated, and a private graveside service will be held at Champion Hill Cemetery in Honor, Michigan next spring.
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in honor of Bob, may do so to the Chelsea Senior Center, with donations directed to Ease the Day Program, a structured caregiver respite program designed to give caregivers a break while providing meaningful engagement for older adults.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
