Maurlin Robert "Bob" Fortlage

Maurlin Robert “Bob” Fortlage, of Tustin, passed away on March 13, 2026 at Munson Health Care in Traverse City after a six-year battle with cancer. He was 88.

Born in Cadillac, Michigan on January 31, 1938 to Erwin and Gladys Fortlage, Bob graduated from Cadillac High School with the Class of 1956. For more than forty years he was the personable front man and driving force behind Cy’s Body Shop, where he took great pride in the quality of their work. In retirement he found joy in tending his garden with care, cutting firewood, deer hunting, and riding his beloved old Massey-Ferguson tractor around his property.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Erwin and Gladys Fortlage; his sisters, Margaret (Steven) Franklin, Naomi (Ronald) Sias, and Audrey Wilkinson; and his son, Mark R. Fortlage in 2018.

Bob is survived by his loving companion of 37 years, Donna Whaley, whom he called his better half; his twin sister, Marian “Polly” (Jerry) Jeffers; and several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at a later date at Maple Hill Cemetery in Cadillac.