Louis T. Wirtz

Louis Wirtz was an extraordinary man whose life spanned many decades. Louis military experience provided him with an arsenal of animated stories, which he loved to share with others. He was a man of great character and integrity who enjoyed a colorful palette of interests and a rich tapestry of milestones and achievements. At the end of the day, however, what mattered to Louis most was the legacy he built for his family and the hearts he touched with his tender and compassionate spirit. Louis Thomas Wirtz was born January 3, 1918 to Thomas and Vernice Wirtz of Manistee, Michigan. The family moved to Muskegon during the 1920s where he, along with his six brothers and sister, were raised in the Jackson Hill neighborhood. Louis father supported his family through his work as a lumberjack and then at ShawWalker. Louis mother was busy at home raising the children. Louis lived a rather typical childhood for young people of his generation, and at times found himself tied up in some of the mischief that young boys are often known for. He enjoyed ice skating, and recalled the time when his brothers caught him on the Muskegon River where he was not supposed to be. As our nation became gripped by the Great Depression in late 1929, Louis and his brothers hunted and fished to provide food for their family. Louis walked to school each day at St. Marys Grammar School and he then went on to graduate from Muskegon High School in 1937. Louis helped to organize the first figure skating club during his time as manager at the Mart Auditorium in downtown Muskegon. It was here on an afternoon in 1941, that Louis literally bumped into the woman who would become the love of his life while he was skating. Her name was Genevieve Vos and the two were quickly smitten with each other, however, their developing love story was soon interrupted by WWII. Louis was drafted into the Army in 1941 and served in the 121st AntiAircraft Battalion 90 mm in the Los Angeles area before serving in the 39th Field Artillery Battalion of the Third Infantry Division. Louis was a valiant soldier indeed as he was honored with six Bronze Battle Stars, two Bronze Arrowheads for amphibious landings, a Presidential Unit Citation, as well as the French Croix de guerre, and was recommended for the Legion of Merit for crossing the Rhine. It was also during his time in the service that Louis lifeguarded in North Carolina and California and he helped save a life on one occasion. Although they were physically separated during his time in the service, Louis and Genevieve remained connected at the heart as they corresponded through letters. Louis proposed to his sweetheart in 1945 and they were united in marriage on September 7, 1946. Louis supported his new bride through his employment as an assembler at Bennett Pump where he would work throughout his entire career before retiring in 1981 after 34 years of service. Louis and Genevieve were soon blessed to become parents with the births of their two children, Nadeen and Greg. Becoming a father was a delight for Louis and he completely embraced this role. He and his wife exhibited a beautiful example of what marriage is through their own rich and fulfilling marriage, warmly referring to each other as Honey Bunny, and even giving and receiving gifts with this term of endearment. Louis taught Nadeen and Greg how to hunt, fish, and ice skate and he and Genevieve encompassed their children into their shared passion for the great outdoors. Together their family went camping in various locations, making memories that will last forever. When their family grew to include the spouses of their children, both Louis and Genevieve embraced them as their own. Family was always of the greatest importance to Louis. His grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren were his greatest source of pride and joy. He loved gathering together for the holidays, having cookouts with his family, and watching their own appreciation for nature unfold. Louis also cherished listening to his grandson, Josh, play his trombone, as well as playing Uno Attack with his great-grandchildren: Lauren, Sammy, Caleb, and Emily. Louis was an excellent cook and his granddaughters, Kris and Lori loved consulting him for recipes. In addition to enjoying time with his family, Louis pursued additional interests as well. He and Genevieve loved traveling in their camper, they visited all 50 states and even went across Canada several times. Among the most memorable trips were the ones to the Great Slave Lake, Hudson Bay and the Arctic Circle, and the four they took to Alaska. Louis helped organize the first Archery Club in Muskegon and was a lifelong member of the Muskegon Bowmens. Louis was a genuine Mr. FixIt,, and an avid gardener. He loved big lake fishing, and drove past Lake Michigan almost everyday to stop, and receive a fishing report. He was a member of the Society of the Third Infantry DivisionWWII, and enjoyed visiting with his fellow veterans at the Third Infantry Division reunions around the country as often as he could. He was a member of St. Marys Catholic Church, and of the Moose Lodge where he and Genevieve would go and dance the nights away. Louis Wirtz lived a vibrant life rich in talents and accomplishments. His neverending love for God, family, and country along with his outstanding character is what he will be remembered for the most. Louis loved sharing the stories of his life, especially those about his time of service during WWII. Louis stories, along with his warm smile and contagious zest for life, are what his beloved family and friends will miss the most. Louis T. Wirtz passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2009. He is survived by his daughter, Nadeen (David) Sholler; his son, Gregory (Kay) Wirtz; his grandchildren, Kristen (Jon) Gale, Lori (Bryan) Rypstra, and Joshua Sholler, his great grandchildren, Lauren & Emily Gale, and Samantha & Caleb Rypstra as well as many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Genevieve, his parents Thomas, and Vernice, his brothers, Edward, Joseph, Alvin, Stanley, Leonard, & Raymond, and his sister, Anna Jewett. Funeral services for Louis will be held on Monday, June 8, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. The service will be officiated by Fr. Thomas Page at St. Marys Catholic Church, Military Rights under the Auspices of the Muskegon County Council will be performed. Interment at St. Mary's Mausoleum. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a memory or make a memorial contribution to Harbor Hospice. .