Walter W. "Smiley" Wirtz

September 10, 1927 - January 24, 2019

Walter W. "Smiley" Wirtz, age 91 of Highland, IL, died Thursday, January 24, 2019, at his residence in Highland, IL. He was born September 10, 1927, in Grantfork, IL, the son of Frederick and Anna (nee Branger) Wirtz. On April 26, 1952, he married Violet J. Keilbach. She passed away on , December 23, 2001. He was a member of Evangelical United Church of Christ. He was also a member of Highland Masonic Lodge #583 (50 year member); Highland Country Club. Walter was born and grew up in Grantfork area. He graduated Highland High School in 1945. He joined the US Army Air Force serving from 1/26/1946 to 7/25/1947. When he returned home he started work at Highland Box Company and retired from there, After retirement he worked at Wick Aircraft. He enjoyed playing golf, still playing at age 91. He was an avid card player (Bridge, Euchre, Gin Rummy, Jass) . He also enjoyed fishing and the Baseball Cardinals. Survivors include : Son - Lonnie R. (Mary) Hoffman, Breese, IL Grandchild - Kevin P. (Chelsea) Hoffman, Morton, IL Great Grandchild - Owen D. Hoffman, Morton, IL Sister - Minnie M. Baer, Highland, IL Sister - Louise A. Gardiner, Manassas, VA Special Friend - Rosemary Neathery, Highland, IL He was preceded in death by : Father - Frederick --- Wirtz - Died 8/22/1975 Mother - Anna A. Wirtz nee Branger - Died 3/29/1968 Wife - Violet J. Wirtz nee Keilbach - Died 12/23/2001 Grandchild - Jeffrey M. Hoffman - Died 1/30/1990 Brother - Arnold E. Wirtz - Died 9/19/2005 Brother - Herman F. Wirtz - Died 7/31/2003 Sister - Mary Katherine Wirtz (infant) - Died 1/14/1919 Sister - Laurene E. Brown - Died 6/5/1974 Brother - Arthur J. Wirtz - Died 1/25/2005 Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, January 31, 2019, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL and from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Friday, February 01, 2019, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM on Friday, February 01, 2019, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL, with Rev. Will VerDuin officiating. Interment will be at Grantfork U.C.C. Cemetery in Grantfork, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Charity of the Donor's Choice.