Birdie Wolfgang

VISITATION:

5:30 - 8 p.m., Thursday, December 20 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel

and from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Friday, December 21 at the Chapel of the Resurrection at the Chippewa Manor, 222 Chapman Rd., Chippewa Falls

SERVICE:

12:30 p.m., Friday, December 21at the Chapel of the Resurrection at the Chippewa Manor, 222 Chapman Rd., Chippewa Falls

Birdie A. Wolfgang, 92, of Chippewa Falls, died Sunday, December 16, 2012, at the Chippewa Manor Residential Living in Chippewa Falls, nine years to the day that she lost her husband.

She was born February 6, 1920 in Racine to Jane (Harrison) and Theodore Struwing. She grew up in Milwaukee where she also attended school.

Birdie married Gerhardt Wolfgang on August 1, 1946 in Chippewa Falls. After their marriage, they resided in Milwaukee until 1953, when they moved to a farm in the town of Hallie. She worked at Mason Shoe until her son was born, then she kept her home and raised their two children. Gerhardt preceded her in death on December 16, 2003.

After her husband passed, Birdie lived on her own until moving in with her daughter. She went to the Chippewa Manor Apartments in May of 2012.

She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls.

Whether she was gardening or feeding the birds, Birdie enjoyed the outdoors. She was also very proud of her Irish heritage, as her mother came directly from Ireland. Family was most important to Birdie. She became a caregiver to her ill mother at a young age and that nurturing spirit never left her when tending to her own children and grandchildren.

While growing up, Birdie's children remember well her selflessness. Whether it was time or money, she often went without, making sure that others had what they needed first. Birdie enjoyed drawing and drew many pictures for her family. Her grandchildren will fondly remember her doodles she made for them.

Birdie believed in doing as much as she possibly could for herself, never wanted to be a burden and was always very grateful for all that was done for her. She had a strong faith in God and reminded family members toask God for help whentroubles arose in life. In her final months, she often told her family and close caregivers that she would be watching over them from Heaven.... we know she will.

She will be dearly missed by her son, Gary (Bette) Wolfgang; her daughter, Carol Webb, all of Chippewa Falls; four grandchildren, Jenny (Ben Wulterkens) Cassidy of Fort Collins, CO, Craig (Courtney Bauer) Webb, Chad (Kim Hibbs)Webb, all of Chippewa Falls, Kristi (Lance) Weiland of Stanley; five great-grandchildren, Carter, Hailey, Benjamin and Andrew Webb, and Kylie Weiland.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gerhardt; two sisters, Genevieve "Jean" Roepke and Ruth Cooley.

Visitation will be from 5:30 - 8 p.m., Thursday, December 20 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls and one hour prior to the service Friday at the Chippewa Manor Chapel of the Resurrection.

A funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m., Friday, December 21 at the Chapel of the Resurrection at the Chippewa Manor with Rev. Robert Hoekstra officiating. Interment will be in Prairie View Cemetery, village of Lake Hallie.

Birdie's family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at the Chippewa Manor Residential Living, who became very close friends and a second family to her. Thank you to those special staff members in administration, nursing, clergy,maintenance, housekeepingand the kitchen. All of the "little extras" provided exceptional care to Birdie and great support to her family. Your kindness will never be forgotten. Thank you to Dr. Macken at Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire. Also, thank you to the staff of St. Joseph's Hospice for their care and compassion shown to Birdie in her final days.

AFTERSERVICE:

A funeral service for Birdie A. Wolfgang, 92, of Chippewa Falls was held at 12:30 p.m., Friday, December 21, 2012 at the Chapel of the Resurrection at the Chippewa Manor. The Rev. Robert Hoekstra officiated, music was provided by Kay Scharn and Birdie's granddaughter, Kristi Weiland shared personal reflections.

Interment was in Prairie View Cemetery, village of Lake Hallie. Casket bearers were Craig and Chad Webb, John and Steve Wolfgang, Lance Weiland and Ben Wulterkens.