Andre R Dalton

Andre Robert Dalton, a.k.a Bubs, Buckshot, My Boy, Andre Padre’, or Pod, son of Diane Wildfong and Dave Dalton, passed unexpectedly in the early morning on June 22, 2026 at his home in Burton, Michigan. He joins his brother Derek Dalton, Grandparents Bob and Dorothy Wildfong, Grandparents Ted and Barb Dalton, Uncle Bobby Wildfong, and Uncle Bob Dalton in heaven. Surviving him are his parents, sister Leigh (Evan) Roehm and “his Grills” (nieces) Keira and Elle Roehm, as well as aunts, uncles, and many cousins.

After having a stroke before being born, he was diagnosed with hydrocephalus which affected his left side. From then on, his resilience and determination defined his life. He developed a seizure disorder at six months old which was the beginning of his health struggle which lasted until his death.

Physical therapists thought he’d never walk. So at age seven, entering Kindergarten, using a three point tush, leg and hand scoot, was challenging but didn’t stop Andre’ from blazing a path for inclusion students in the Kalkaska Public Schools. His determination made the therapist’s diagnosis incorrect because he ‘found his legs’ during family swimming outings at Torch Lake. Those outings helped him learn to walk which was a miracle “step” in his life. In his last years he used a wheelchair as he was unable to stand on his own.

During his elementary years, his Aunt Coleen, who he considered his second Mom, was his health care aide. With his Mom, they were a trio called “two peas and a Pod.” He made many friends in Rapid City and Birch Street Elementary schools who came to his birthday parties, went to Piston games with him and his Dad or just came over to play. Those friends were so kind to accept him as did Leigh and Derek’s friends.

North Country Community Mental Health began assisting the family when he was a teenager. He spent a short time in both Flint, Caro, and Traverse City working on control. After each stay he returned to his Mom’s home in Kalkaska, attending school in Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District. From there he lived in an AFC in Cadillac where he attended school and “graduated” at age 26! Later he had a home in Antrim. Andre’ finished his life at his last home, Bertram House AFC in Burton, Michigan.

His parents always said “it took a village” to raise Andre’. Mancelona, Kalkaska and Burton were the communities who loved and nurtured him the most. They enjoyed his happy spirit and accepted his shortcomings.

Andre’ had many habits stemming from autism. He repeated the same story, request, or directions over and over. He watched the same movies like Mrs. Doubtfire, My Girl, Andre’ the Seal, Free Willy, The Net, Ransom, the Rugrats, and also his Grandparents Wildfong’s favorite, On Golden Pond. Lately, he was obsessed with the movie Father of the Bride, often calling his Mom to repeat the name of it so he could find it on the internet. He wore out video tapes and DVDs of his family.

Andre’ collected and wore many baseball type hats. He’d always request to wear a hat from his collection hanging on the wall over his bed that were given to him by his Dad, Mom, Cousins Phyllis and Al, and his care givers. He also loved his family's expired license plates. He had several from his Grandparents Wildfong, Leigh, and his Mom, all of which he displayed on the wall in his bedroom. The truth is the boy would have liked to have anything someone else was discarding!

He could sing the top forty songs by age four and even sang the National Anthem to open sporting events. He participated in the middle school talent show singing Yellow Submarine assisted by his aide Doris Boger. He loved listening to the radio but wouldn’t let his Mom sing along. “Mom, stop!” he’d say, putting his hand over her mouth. The last few years he loved the YouTube channel, watching Grumpy Grampa, videos of thunderstorms, pictures of cars the family owned and the city of Kalkaska.

As a little tyke, his talents playing Nintendo with only one hand amazed us all, as did his ease of using technology without being taught. He programmed the VCR and television for Grandparents Wildfong when he was only five! At school classmates would ask him for help in the computer labs until third grade! He continued to love still shot cameras, video cameras, tape recorders and radios until he passed. Once at age nine he called the local radio station in Traverse City to request an Elvis song for Gramma Wildfong. He said, on air, she was 100 when she really was in her sixties! He could be such a tease. He also often requested Barbara Ann to be played for Gramma Dalton.

Andre loved to be with family at big dinners, staying overnight with Grandparents Wildfong, attending athletic events, or just riding around in the car as he did during the last years when Dad or Mom would take him “out and about.” During those drives he’d make a list of to do’s: 1)Wash the car. 2)Take pictures of the American flag. 3) Go to McDonald’s for a plain quarter pounder and a LARGE Diet Coke with lots of ice. 4) Buy milk and coffee to make his childhood favorite “coffee milk.” Growing up in Kalkaska, the staff at McDonald’s, Burger King, and the Big Boy would have his coffee milk waiting for him without ordering it! It takes a village!

Andre’ loved babies. He loved to sit near them at basketball games, gently hold them, if permitted, while petting their heads. The entire time he was smiling ear to ear. His “grills,” Keira and Elle, were his two most favorite babies to hold. He loved babies his entire life.

Life presented many struggles and obstacles to Andre’ but through all of those challenges he was a trooper who shared his uniqueness and smile with all. His infectious dimpled grin brightened everyone’s day.

A man who was resilient, determined, and deeply loved, Andre’ Robert Dalton will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services officiated by Pastor Caleb Rowe will be held at the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes, Saturday, July 11 at 1 p.m. with the family receive friends beginning at 12:30 p.m.   Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery.

Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.