"Dear Deb, Tami, Rick, Steve and Lorraine, know that your family is in my thoughts & prayers. I pray for comfort for all of you. "
In loving memory of
James Wirt
November 27, 1930 - January 21, 2012
James Wirt Jr., 81, of rural Burlington passed away Saturday, January 21, 2012 at his home.
Born November 27, 1930 in Burlington, he was the son of James Wirt Sr. and Vera Hillyard Wirt. On April 8, 1956, he married Lorraine Niebuhr at Zion United Church of Christ in Burlington.
Jim lived on the family farm his entire life. He retired from farming in 1992 but continued to help his son, Rick, haul grain until 2005. He graduated from Huron High School in 1950. He was drafted November 7, 1951, and took his basic training in Fort Breckenridge, Kentucky. He trained in "Heavy Weapons" and was "First Machine Gunner" on the front line in Korea. He was discharged July 7, 1953 at Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was a St. Louis Cardinal's fan and enjoyed going to the Burlington Bee's games. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and his family.
Survivors include his wife; two sons, Rick Allan (Sandy) Wirt of rural Burlington and Steven Wayne (Cindy) Wirt of Mediapolis; two daughters, Debra Sue Wirt of rural Burlington and Tamara Kae Wirt of Burlington; two sisters, Donna Schrader of rural Burlington and Betty (Bill) Foley of rural Mediapolis; three granddaughters, Michele (Colin) Gerst of Burlington, Jaci Wirt of St. Louis, Missouri, and Krista (Tony) Kempker of New London; one great granddaughter, Madison Paige Gerst; several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Allan; son-in-law, Larry and brother-in law, Bill Schrader.
Open Visitation will be from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24th in Lunning Chapel. The family will not be present.
A private graveside funeral service and interment will be held in Burlington Memorial Park Cemetery. The Rev. Earlene Lekwa will officiate.
A memorial has been established for the Burlington Bees.
Tributes
"Debbie, Tammi, and the entire Wirt family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. I hope you all will be able to find some comfort in knowing that your loved one is now with the Lord, where there is no more pain, no more tears, no more suffering - where the body is made whole again. I know, from Debbie, what a close, tight-knit family you have, and I know you will all lean on one another to help you get through the days ahead. May God bless each of you and give you all the peace and understanding you need.
With deepest sympathies,
Stephanie Keller"
"Tqmmi, We are so sorry for the loss of your father. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
"
"Tami, I am sorry for your loss, May God put his powerful arms around your family in this time of sorrow. I remember your fondness of your family, when I worked with you at CSP."
"My condolences to Jimmy's family. Jimmy and I grow up together and attended North Jackson School, until 1945 until my family moved to Burlington. Jimmy will never be forgotten."
"My sympathy to Jimmy's family. It doesn't seem right to be losing first cousins. One memory I have of Jimmy is his wedding. It could have been the first wedding I even attended because I would have been 6 years old. I remember how handsome Jimmy was in his suit because I had never seen him in one of those before and I also remember how beautiful Lorraine was in her wedding gown. It was so pretty and the veil was gorgeous and so was she. I remember thinking that I hoped that one day I would have a dress that pretty. We are thinking of you. Diane and Rick"