Ralph Wiltz

April 9, 1959 ~
July 28, 2025

Ralph Gerard Wiltz, age 66, of Grand Rapids—originally from Peoria, Illinois—went to be with the Lord on Monday, July 28, 2025.

 He will be lovingly remembered by his three children and grandchildren, Stephen and Kristen Wiltz (Paityn, Tenley), Maria Mitchell (Parker), Kathryn Wiltz and fiancé, Kevin Hyatt; his mother, Rosemary Wiltz; brothers and sisters, Bob and Becci Wiltz, John Wiltz, Bill and Cathie Wiltz, Jeanne Atkins, Ken Wiltz, Carol and Denny Walton, David and Lisa Wiltz, Sue and Rick Smith, Cathy and Jay Whalen, Lisa Wiltz, Tom Wiltz, Mark Wiltz; former wife, current tax accountant and fellow Meijer thrift store patron, Deanna Wiltz; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Wiltz; sister, Terri Gilfillan; and brother, Danny Wiltz. 

He retired in 2024 after 35 years with Covanta Energy. He enjoyed working on cars at his best friend's auto shop, fixing just about anything and entertaining those around him with his witty sense of humor. A former cowboy, he loved fishing, camping, kayaking, hog hunting and scuba diving. He also enjoyed showcasing his skills at ballroom dancing competitions. 

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on Monday, August 11, from 5-7 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW.

Celebration of Life Open House
Monday, August 11
5:00pm - 8:00pm

MKD - Grandville
4145 Chicago Dr. SW
Grandville, MI 49418
Get Directions

Phone: (616) 534-8656

Leave Your Tribute Message

August 11, 2025 9:36am
I got to know Ralph through working with him at Covanta & Vicinity Energy. He would stop by my office, and we would exchange stories. He spoke of his family, fishing adventures, boar hunting, gator hunting and he loved to kayak! I will treasure our talks. RIP Ralph

- Sandy Napier

August 06, 2025 10:36pm
Rest easy Ralph. I am glad I had the pleasure to meet you and spend a lot of time together back in the Amway days. God Bless you and your family.

- Randy McCullough

August 04, 2025 10:18pm
Rip Ralph. So sorry to hear about your passing. Our condolences to your family

- Debbie Leonard

August 02, 2025 11:00pm
Lots of great memories of time with my brother working together at the ranch in Wyoming. I’ll miss your stories and your crazy sense of humor. Rest easy❤️

- Carol

August 01, 2025 3:33pm
I got to know Ralph at Covanta, and got a kick out of him. We eventually caught many fish together both on the ice and open water. He was one-of-a-kind and I’ll certainly miss his company. RIP buddy Ralph.

- Terry Mafden

July 31, 2025 3:58pm
Many memories of Ralph at Wiltz family reunions. So sorry to hear this news about my younger cousin. Sending blessings and sympathy to the family

- Mary Kay Morrison

July 31, 2025 3:14pm
Loved some Rif Raf, will miss his random phone calls every time he saw swamp people on the tv. We are gonna miss you down here in Louisiana.

- Colin Mull

July 30, 2025 6:11pm
I miss you already daddio. Rest well. I love you.

- Maria




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