Grosse Pointe News

Sean Cotton, Owner • Anne Gryzenia, Publisher • Jody McVeigh, Editor In Chief • Meg Leonard, Senior Editor

16980 Kercheval Pl. • Grosse Pointe, Michigan 48230 • 313.882.6900 • Monday-Friday 9am-4pm

Walter John Wilson IVFree Access


Grosse Pointe Woods resident Walter John “Jack” Wilson IV, 82, passed away Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018.

Born Dec. 16, 1935, in Detroit, to Walter John Jr. and Anne (nee Black) Wilson, Jack was a 1954 graduate of Grosse Pointe High School, and studied engineering at Monmouth College, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University. He also served in the U.S. Navy, where he discovered his love of flying. Jack worked at General Motors Corp. 43 years, where he enjoyed collaborating with his co-workers designing tests for vehicles.

Jack’s favorite pastime was enjoying time at the cottage at Terrace Beach near Morpeth, Ontario, Canada. He spent as much time as he could there. While not a teacher by profession, he loved teaching people and passing on his knowledge of engineering and design. He was a “Jack of all Trades,” the “mayor” of both Beaufait Drive and Terrace Beach, “Grumpy” to his grandchildren (and “adopted” grandchildren) and was loved by many people. Even in death, he will be teaching as he will be someone’s first “patient” at Wayne State University School of Medicine.

Jack will be missed for his sense of humor and quick wit, many, many stories and willingness to help his neighbors and friends with anything.

Jack is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ruth (nee DeBeer) Wilson; daughter, Laura Uldrich (Mike) of Frisco, Texas; son, Jonathan Wilson (Beverley Shade) of Durango, Colo.; grandchildren, Annika, CJ and Karsten Uldrich and Ollie Wilson and many cousins and friends.

Jack was predeceased by his parents and brother, George.

Donations may be made to Monmouth College at ou.monmouth
college.edu or Wayne State University Body Bequest Program in Detroit, Wayne State University Gift Processing, Academic/Administration Building, 5700 Cass Ave., Suite 1200, Detroit, MI 48202.