Robert "Bob" Virden Wheaton

Robert “Bob” Virden Wheaton, 72, of Petoskey, Michigan, peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 13, 2026. Bob was born on April 11, 1954, to Virden and Eleanor (Zilch) Wheaton. He grew up in Petoskey and graduated from Petoskey High School in 1972. 

From a young age, Bob lived and worked on the family poultry farm. After high school he worked alongside his father doing masonry work. When his father retired in 1980, Bob took over the business as Wheaton Masonry and Concrete Service. For 32 years he specialized in flatwork, brickwork, basements, and fireplaces, expanding the business to also include poured concrete walls in 1987. Bob was a true craftsman who took great pride in providing high-quality work for his customers.

He operated a seasonal storage business which repurposed the family’s poultry barns. For 30 years, he provided storage for recreational vehicles and took great satisfaction in offering what he considered an essential service to the resort community.

As a lifelong resident (3rd generation) of Resort Township, Bob was very passionate about his community. Bob cherished life on the Walloon Lake peninsula; as a descendant of two original pioneer families, his roots in the area ran deep, shaping his lifelong commitment to preserving the community he called home. In 2004, he was elected as Resort Township Supervisor and served for 21 years across six consecutive terms. During his tenure, Bob led the township board through many projects. His first accomplishment was the remediation and rebuilding of East Park and later the addition of the children’s playground. Though there were numerous projects that were important to him, the design and development of Pioneer Trails was by far his favorite. He dedicated countless hours each season to clearing and maintaining the trails for residents to enjoy. Additionally, in 2009, Bob took on the role of Resort Township Assessor, a position he held for 16 years.

Although Bob was dedicated to his work, his family was of the utmost importance. He married Jacquelyn "Jackie" Fochtman in 1989, and they shared 36 wonderful years together, cherishing every moment in each other’s company. He was a proud and devoted father to his children, Ryan and Katelyn. Bob embraced fatherhood by volunteering for various clubs and sports teams; in the winter months when he wasn’t working, he was a regular presence in his children’s classrooms, participating in many school projects and activities. As a family, they enjoyed golfing, camping, snowmobiling, and simply being together. Camping trips with their extended family were always among Bob’s favorite memories.

Bob was a dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bay Shore, where he served as an elder and on the pastoral search committee. When the congregation transitioned to become Jesus is Lord Community Church, he continued his leadership as the Deacon of Building and Grounds and later as a member of the Board of Directors. Beyond his formal roles, Bob served the church in many other ways, finding a deep sense of contentment in serving others quietly and without recognition.

Bob’s dedication to the communities in his life was evident in everything he did and in the many lasting friendships he built. He genuinely enjoyed people and found his calling from the Lord was to faithfully serve his neighbors and community.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Jackie, of Petoskey; his children, Ryan of Kalamazoo and Katelyn of Petoskey; his brother, William, of Clio; and several nephews, along with their precious families. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virden and Eleanor (Zilch) Wheaton; his parents-in-law, Louis and Barbara (Hall) Fochtman; and his brother-in-law, Tony Fochtman. 

A homecoming service will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Stone Funeral Home, Petoskey, visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Pastor Ward Potts will officiate. Interment will follow the service at Greenwood Cemetery, and a luncheon will be held at 12:30 p.m. at the Perry Hotel in Petoskey.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Manna Food Pantry at Jesus Is Lord Community Church, 10530 Seneca Ave., Charlevoix, MI or the Nehemiah Project, 36 Bridge St., Petoskey, MI

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