John H. Wert

John Howard Wert, 89, a resident of Ocean Ridge, FL, Bloomfield Hills, MI, and Grand Rapids, MI, died peacefully at home after a long illness, surrounded by family, on April 4, 2026.

John, the son of Howard and Sarah (Brecht) Wert, was born on July 3, 1936, in Mt. Holly, NJ. He graduated from the Cranbrook School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and then from Princeton University, where he majored in History and played on the Varsity Baseball team.

John’s career was spent in financial services, culminating in his later years in the establishment of Wert Financial Group, which he sold in 2009. But his life was spent learning about people and, when possible, connecting them with one another. He struck up conversations wherever he went and would marvel at the lives and experiences of friends and strangers alike. He was fiercely loyal, maintaining friendships dating back to elementary school. He understood the value of showing up for people.

John had a strong sense of gratitude, which he put to use in the service of institutions that had helped him throughout his life. At Cranbrook School, on the campus of which he had grown up in faculty housing, he and his sister Jane funded an annual prize recognizing outstanding faculty members. For years, he was active in Annual Giving for the Princeton University Class of 1957, and he served as ’57 Class President from 2017 to 2022. After his beloved wife Marnie experienced excellent memory care at Clark Retirement Community in Grand Rapids, MI, John showed his appreciation to Clark by joining the board of the Clark Foundation and revitalizing its fundraising efforts. He also served informally as a resource for friends and acquaintances dealing with loved ones with dementia.

John was steadfast in his devotion to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, supporting them through their highs and lows. His unquestioning love was both a comfort and a model for the younger generations. His happiest moments by far involved family gathered around him for an event, activity, or meal.

John was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable fan of all Michigan sports, and watching games with him was not for the faint-hearted. He was proud to have attended the 1957 NFL Championship game, currently the most recent championship the Detroit Lions have won; with the Lions showing signs of competitiveness recently, he had hopes for another trophy in his lifetime, though long years as a Lions fan kept those expectations appropriately low. Baseball was his favorite sport, however; he was quick to share statistics and critique the Tigers’ lineup, and his two favorite words were “Opening Day.”

An avid golfer, John was a member of The Country Club of Florida, Bloomfield Hills (MI) Country Club, and Merion Golf Club (Ardmore, PA), as well as the Ocean Club of Florida and the Yondotega Club (Detroit). Over the years, he had also been a member of Orchard Lake Country Club (MI), the Detroit Club, the Peninsular Club (Grand Rapids), and Kent Country Club (Grand Rapids).

John was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 53 years, Martha (Stevenson) Wert; his son, Stephen Wert; and his companion of nine years, Andree Anderson.

He is survived by his children, John Wert, Jr. (Sherry) of Rosemont, PA, Robert Wert of Evanston, IL, and Elizabeth Raymond (Mike) of Grand Rapids, MI; his nine grandchildren, Margot, Christopher, Nicholas, Stephanie, Samantha, Spencer, Emma, Lilly, and Maxwell; his two great-grandchildren, Luna and Julian; and his sister, Jane Oman of Columbus, OH.

The family wishes to thank Feinberg Consulting and the caring and supportive caregivers that they found to help John. Their commitment to John’s comfort and well-being as well as to that of the family over the past several months was exceptional.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to The Cranbrook Schools Ascestes Fund, which honors outstanding Cranbrook Schools faculty members, or to the Clark Retirement Community Foundation.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at Christ Church Cranbrook, 470 Church Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304 on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 11am.  Visitation for family and friends will be at the church from 10-11am.  All are welcome.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of John H. Wert, please visit our Tree Store.