Jerome Benedict “Jerry” Wirtz (1933-2023)

Jerome Benedict “Jerry” Wirtz Veteran

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Birth

8 Jan 1933

Cranmoor, Wood County, Wisconsin, USA

Death

29 Dec 2023 (aged 90)

Cranmoor, Wood County, Wisconsin, USA

Burial

Saint Josephs Catholic Cemetery

Vesper, Wood County, Wisconsin, USA Add to Map

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Jerome Benedict Wirtz, 90, passed away on December 29th, 2023, in his home surrounded by his family.

He was born on January 8th, 1933, to Rose (Kundert) and Nickolos Wirtz in Cranmoor, WI.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM onTuesday, January 2nd, 2024, at the Ritchay Funeral Home. Visitation 9:00 - 11:00 and service to follow. Burial will follow at St. Joseph, Altdorf cemetery. American Leagion Post #520 of Vesper, WI will perform military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to F.O.C.U.S. (Food Pantry) or Assumption Catholic Schools.

Jerry lived his younger years both in Cranmoor and Pittsville. He graduated from Maryheart High School in Pittsville, 1951. He then worked in Racine, enlisted in the U.S. Army, and was honorably discharged in 1955. Jerry returned to Cranmoor to farm cranberries with his parents at Elm Lake Cranberry Co., the family farm. He married Susan Tritz in 1957 in Pittsville. Jerry and Sue owned and operated Elm Lake Cranberry Co until their retirement in 1998.

Jerry loved his life growing cranberries, making his own innovations on equipment and expanding the size and efficiency of the operation. He worked hard but always made time for hunting, fishing, golfing, a good game of sheepshead, and helping with his kids' and grandkids' sports and activities.

Jerry was an ethical and generous man but didn't always agree with the common view. He was willing to be contrary and held to his convictions.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife Sue, sons: Paul (Candi), Sonoma, CA, Tom (Deb), Neenah, WI, Tim (Becky), Plover, WI, Ken (Bridget), Neenah, WI, Ron (Sarah), Black River Falls, WI, Randy (Kalla), Oregon, WI, and daughters: Diane (Mike) Moss, Wisconsin Rapids, Janine (Russ) Bessemer, Oregon, WI, Kathy (Kurt) Jensen, Plover, WI, Michelle (Jaime) Kuhn, Tomah, WI, LeAnne (Kevin) Strahota, Tomahawk, WI. He is also survived by 25 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Jerry is further survived by his sister JoAnn Hackman of Marshfield, WI.

Preceding him in death was his grandson Karl Wirtz, brothers Bernard, George, Clarence, and Richard, and sisters Anne DeFillips, Marie Graveen, Genevieve Wentzel, Theresa Arnold, Isabel Acott, and Francis Albrecht.

The family would like to thank Aspirus Hospice for their professional and compassionate care.