Wilbur "Willie" Ory VanNortwick, 101, of Ludington, passed away Tuesday,
September 10, 2024, at Oakview Medical Care Facility in Ludington. He was born
May 2, 1923, on the family farm in Pere Marquette Township, the son of Ory and
Ruth (Nelson) VanNortwick.

Willie was a Veteran of World War II, serving in the US ARMY 701st Military
Police Battalion, stationed in China. In 2015, Willie was part of a group of veterans
aboard the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight to Washington DC.

On February 18, 1950, Willie married Audrey Lois Crampton at Zion
Evangelical Church (now St. Paul United Methodist Church). He was a lifetime
member of the church and held many leadership and volunteer roles over the years. In
retirement, he could often be found caring for the church grounds.

Together, Willie and Audrey ran a successful fruit farm in Riverton Township.
Willie was one of the founding members of Mason County Fruit Packers (now Indian
Summer Co-Op) and he remained an active member of the co-op until his retirement
from farming in 1982.

In 1960, Willie and some of his friends built the legendary Ludington Ski Hill
on Morton Road providing skiing opportunities for their children and ultimately for
many others as well.

Willie was most definitely known to never throw anything away because "you
never know when you might have a need for that some day". Being an incredibly
talented mechanic and fabricator came in handy when farm equipment or vehicles
needed attention and especially when he decided to build his own cherry shaker (no
doubt using some of those items he never threw away).

It was Willie's varied interests and sense of adventure and curiosity that sparked
many experiences during his life, including being a single-engine airplane pilot, riding
in a hot air balloon, white water rafting at the age of 60 and even skydiving when he
was 86. He absolutely loved traveling with his wife and family, and was able to visit all
50 states, Mexico and every province in Canada. He enjoyed hunting and fishing,
especially when accompanied by his family members and friends. Willie also took
pleasure in a good bowl of butter pecan or black cherry ice cream, especially if it came
from the House of Flavors!

Willie is survived by: his wife of 74 years, Audrey; 3 daughters, Pam (Bill)
Bernard, Lesa (Barry) Petrucci, and Gail (J.W.) McCormick; his son, Kim (Nancy)
VanNortwick; 9 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren with one more on the way; and
several nieces and nephews.

Willie was preceded in death by: his parents; his daughter, Laurie VanNortwick;
and his brother, Marshall VanNortwick.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 2:00pm at St.
Paul United Methodist Church in Riverton Township, with Rev. Joseph Beaven and
Rev. Barry Petrucci officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 5pm-7pm,
and Saturday from 12:30pm-1:30pm at the church. Military honors will be conducted
under the auspices of the American Legion Edwin H. Ewing Post #76.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to St. Paul United
Methodist Church, 3212 W. Kinney Rd., Ludington, MI 49431, with UMCOR
Midwest Distribution Center notated or Elara Caring (Hospice) 4743 US-10 Ste 2,
Ludington, MI 49431.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel is in charge of
arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com