It is with an inner peace, but also great sadness that we announce the passing of Nicholas “Nick” Ray Wiltz. Nick entered eternal rest on July 30th, 2026, at the age of 92.

Nick was born January 15th, 1934, in the now ghost town of Molson, WA. He was the son of Ruby and George Wiltz, younger brother of Donald Wiltz, and a cousin to a host of kids that had the middle name of Lee. Nick grew up in Chewelah, WA, spending time in Chesaw, WA and graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1952.

After graduating, he followed the calling of our Nation and enlisted in the United States Navy. While enlisted he served 4 distinguished years as a Yeoman 2nd Class onboard the USS Gurke (DD-783) during the Korean War. For his service from 1952-1956 Nick earned the National Defense Service Medal, the China Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

After an honorable discharge, Nick pursued engineering studies at Central Washington College and Saint Martins College. This enabled him to begin a five-decade tenure with the Washington State Department of Transportation where he helped work on Wanapum and Priest Rapids Dams, bridges (Vantage) and many other projects.

Upon retirement from the Department of Transportation, Nick continued to work for another 15 years for the City of East Wenatchee, WA, as a code compliance officer. Upon his second retirement, still having the urge to crawl in dark, tiny spaces, he opened the successful business of Wiltz Inspection Service.

Throughout his life, Nick was an active member of the Masons, Shriners, and the local church community. As a licensed pilot, Nick found fun in his spare time flying the skies above Washington.

Nick met Madlynn “Lynndy” Gene McKenzie while attending Central Washington College. They married on September 20th, 1958, in Ephrata, WA and together they shared 67 years of blissful marriage and created cherished memories that involved raising a family of 4 kids. Along the way, there were always a dog, a cat, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, and sheep. The house was a 4-H and FFA homestead for many years. On top of that, sports for the children were always in his vocabulary.

Nick enjoyed camping with his family in the Cascade Mountains of Washington, taking cruises with Lynndy and friends, and later in life resting in his easy chair watching the WSU Cougars, Gonzaga Bulldogs, the Mariners, and Seahawks. Up to his final days, he continued to his life-long passion of armchair coaching the Seahawks. From 1976 to 2026 he guided them to three Super Bowls!

It is with ease knowing that Nick will be greeted at the heavenly gates by a host of family and friends, and most importantly, his first son Nicholas Mark Wiltz who preceded him in death. The Patriarch of the Wiltz family, Nick leaves loved ones that include his wife Lynndy, 3 children, 8 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren who will carry on the values of his deep sense of duty, commitment, and most of all the generosity of kindness he showed everyone throughout his life.

Nick kindly hopes that in lieu of gifts or flowers, a donation be made to the Veterans Administration, Masonic Organizations or the Spokane Children’s Hospital in his name.

Veterans Administration: https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_online/

Masonic Organizations: https://www.freemason.com/charities/

Spokane Children’s Hospital: https://give.providence.org/inw/donate-now?pk_vid=a221e7039c49d9ea178708132244ffb7