WIRTZ, Paul H. (1922-1998)

WIRTZ, LODER, SCHUTJER, IBARRA, EDWARDS, SPENCER, MONTAG, MEYERS, SCHMIDT, MONTAG

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society
Date: 4/2/2026 at 14:32:52

Paul H. Wirtz
1922-1998

Services for Paul H. Wirtz, 75, of Crystal Lake, who died Monday, April 20, 1998, at his daughter's home in Iowa City were held 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 23, at the Evangelical Free Church in Britt with the Revs. Bill Culbertson and Ted Henderson officiating.

Music was provided by organist, Rev. Kenneth Suetterlin who accompanied congregational hymns. Ushers were Ray Neswold and Verlin Ball.

Casket bearers were Gail Parker, Gale McNeese, Merle Muhm, Chuck Montag, John Hill and Charles Smith.

Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery in Britt with graveside military rites conducted by the Crystal Lake James Rasmussen Post #409.

Visitation was held Wednesday at the Cataldo Funeral Home, Britt.

Paul H. Wirtz, the son of Jacob and Anna (Loder) Wirtz, was born May 21, 1922, at West Bend. After attending the West Bend schools he worked in a defense plant in Buffalo, NY. He served his country during WW II by enlisting in the Army Air Corps, serving a tour of duty in India.

April 2, 1951, he married Beverly Schutjer at the Evangelical Free Church in Britt. They farmed for four years in Ottosen, and 12 years at Britt. He worked at Winnebago Industries in Forest City for several years. Due to ill health, Paul retired in 1986 at which time he enjoyed woodworking and gardening. He loved his family and expressed his musical talent in singing at special church events.

He attended both the Upper Flat and Britt Evangelical Free Churches. He served on the Woden-Crystal Lake Community School Board and was on the Crystal Lake Town Council and was a member of the Crystal Lake American Legion.

He survived by his wife, Beverly of Crystal Lake: a daughter, Vicki lbarra and husband, Hector of Iowa City; two grandsons, Bret and Derek Ibarra of Iowa City: a brother, Verner Wirtz and wife, Betty of West Bend; two sisters, Lydia Edwards of West Bend and Adeline Spencer and husband, Ellsworth of Hanlotown; three sisters-in-law, Hulda Wirtz of West Bend, Lucille Wirtz of Mallard and Marguerite Wirtz of West Bend; a brother-in-law, Paul Montag of Britt, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Mark in August of 1984; three brothers, Fred, Alfred and Edwin Wirtz, and three sisters, Anita Meyers, Celina Schmidt and Lena Montag.

source: Leader & Signal, Garner, Iowa, 29 Apr 1998, page 4, column 1