Obituary
Walter (Walt) Peter Wynbelt (77) of Black River, Michigan and Summerfield, Florida went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 6, 2020 in Summerfield, Florida. He was born in Gouda, The Netherland to Barend and Gertrude (DeVette) Wynbelt on March 10, 1943 and immigrated to the US with his family in 1953, where they settled in Muskegon, Michigan.
Walt was a mechanical engineer with a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and a masters degree from the University of Detroit. He was employed at the US Army Tank Automotive & Artillery Command (USATACOM) for 36 years, where he attained the highest civilian rank possible, and was instrumental in the development of the Abrams Tank, the Bradley Fighting Vehicle and several armored tactical vehicles. During his long career at USATACOM he also became an internationally recognized authority on the design and development of armored vehicles, lecturing at West Point Military Academy and speaking at national and international conferences. Following his retirement in 2002, he consulted for industry and academia for a number of years.
Walt married his love and best friend, Patricia (Patti) H. (Collom) Collick in 1978. They moved to Black River in 2005. Preceding him in death were his parents. Surviving are his beloved wife and two step sons Scott (Lori) Collick of Midland, Michigan and Brian Collick of San Diego, California; two grandchildren Emily and Ryan Collick; two sisters, Alida (Jerry) Zylstra of Caledonia, Michigan and Johanna (Paul) Buit of Fort Wayne, Indiana; two brothers Peter Wynbelt of Muskegon, Michigan and Gerhard (Patricia) Wynbelt of Mattawan, Michigan; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Walt had a lifetime interest in armored vehicles and enjoyed reading, sports and traveling. Walt was also an active member of Harrisville Harbor Commission serving as Chairman.
Interment will be at Mt. Joy Cementary in Haynes Township.
God brought us together!
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