WIRTJES, Raymond 1926-2002

WIRTJES

Posted By: K. Kittleson
Date: 2/5/2009 at 11:55:52

Raymond A. “Ray” Wirtjes, 75, of Manly, Iowa, formerly of Grafton, Iowa, died on Wednesday, May 1, 2002, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, May 4, 2002, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Grafton, with Reverend Wayne Ellingson officiating. Interment was in the Grafton Cemetery.

Ray was born on July 29, 1926 in Grafton, Iowa, the son of Henry and Maria (Kruse) Wirtjes. He was baptized on August 22, 1926 at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton and confirmed there on June 1, 1941. He was born and raised in Grafton, attending the Grafton schools.

Ray was united in marriage to Mary C. Lifka on March 12, 1949, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They farmed near Grafton for several years before moving in to town. Ray drove a milk truck for several years before he and Mary purchased Ray and Mary’s Tap and Grill in Grafton. After selling the restaurant, Ray worked at the Grafton Co-Op and also at the fertilizer plant in Grafton until his retirement.

Ray and Mary enjoyed making many crafts in their retirement, especially butterflies and birds, and selling them at craft rallies. Ray also enjoyed fishing at Crane Lake, camping, traveling, and playing cards. He was a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton and the Good Sam Camping Club.

Ray is survived by his son, Stanley Wirtjes and his fiancée, Debbie Evans of Albert Lea, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Kelly Aldrich of Northwood and Daniel and Brandy Wirtjes of Albert Lea; three great-grandchildren, Hannah, Nathan and Abigail Buchanan; and many other relatives and friends. Ray will also be missed by a very special friend, Ellen Glassel and her family, Fred, Kate, and Ruth.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary in 1995; four brothers, George, Clarence, Augusta and Hank; and three sisters, Tina, Alice and Viola.

The Bride Colonial Chapel in Manly was in charge of the arrangements.

© 2002 Mitchell County Press; May 8, 2002