David John Wiltse
September 19, 1965 - August 25, 2024
Obituary
David John Wiltse
September 19, 1965 – August 25, 2024
Our incredibly beautiful; beloved husband; father; brother and son, David John Wiltse, went home to be with our heavenly Father, Sunday, August 25, 2024.
David was a man with a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. David was born on September 19, 1965 in Springfield, Massachusetts to Bud and Margie Crosby. After the passing of David’s mother Margie, weeks after his birth, David was adopted by his aunt and uncle, Betty & Ralph Wiltse. David grew up in Spokane, Washington surrounded by a large loving family. He attended West Valley High School and Spokane Community College before moving to Seattle, Washington to attend Bible college.
David had many jobs throughout his working career but none that he loved more than Iron Mountain. Dave worked for Iron Mountain in the Record Management division for seventeen years as a shred driver. Dave prided himself on taking personal care of all of his clients and in doing so he formed many lasting business relationships and personal friendships.
In 1994, David met Amy. After two and a half years of courtship, they were married on Saturday, August 24, 1996. They both knew that their love was meant to be and a true gift from God. In 2001 they welcomed their dear son Nathaniel Bryan then in 2012 their beautiful daughter Lilyanna Grace was born. Family was everything to Dave. He loved everything about being a husband and a proud dad. In 2021, to celebrate 25 years of marriage, David took his wife and kids to Hawaii where he and Amy spent their honeymoon. It was a celebratory time for the family to come together to reflect; appreciate and celebrate the gift of family that God had created.
At the beginning of 2023, David was diagnosed with Esophageal cancer. He took the diagnosis and, like with every obstacle he was challenged with in his life, he faced it and fought it with courage, compassion and dignity. With every ounce of his being, David never gave up. Even in his final hours, he was fighting with all of his might.
Being a true sports fan, football especially, the Seahawks were the home team favorite but Dave was a long-time Steelers fan at heart. In December 2023, Dave and his family were given the gift of tickets to see the two teams play each other on New Year’s Eve. The Steelers made the outing even more special by winning that day. It was an awesome experience that Dave talked about long after. The final memorable family outing Dave was able to participate in came in May 2024. Dave and his family were granted a Wish trip to Disneyland by two very special “Angels on Earth.” What better place than the “Happiest Place on Earth” for so many joyful recollections to have been made that will forever be ingrained in our memories and hearts. One last family trip that has left us remembering the loving, happy, husband and dad that he will forever be. Just three and a half weeks later, David was admitted to the hospital where he stayed until his passing.
David is preceded in death by his biological mother and father, Margie and Bud Crosby. His mother and father, Betty and Ralph Wiltse and brother Ralph Jr. He is survived by his loving wife Amy; his two children Nathaniel and Lilyanna and his fur baby Ohana. He is also survived by sisters Virginia (David) Wood of Maryland, Susan (Ronald) Allen of Spokane, WA, and Wendy (Timothy) Price of Florida. Three biological siblings Bonnie, James and Cathy of Massachusetts. David was truly a family man and loved them all with his whole being, this includes his in-laws, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and of course, dear friends that he always considered family.
All services will be held at St. Philomena Catholic Church at 1790 S 222nd St, Des Moines, WA 98198. Rosary will be Friday October 18, 2024 at 7:00pm. The memorial funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 11:00am with a reception to follow from 12 noon-3pm in the church hall. There will also be a Memorial service and celebration that will take place in Spokane, Washington in July of 2025. More information to follow regarding those services.
Remember Me
Don’t remember me with sadness,
Don’t remember me with tears,
Remember all good times,
Shared throughout the years.
Now I am contented
That my life it was worthwhile,
Because I know by loving you
That I made you smile
When you are walking down the street
And you’ve got me on your mind,
I’m walking in your footsteps
Only half a step behind.
So please don’t be unhappy
Just because I’m out of sight,
Remember that I’m with you
Every morning, noon and night.