Walter Wirz

VISITATION:

4-7 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2015 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, 44 E. Columbia St., Chippewa Falls and also one hour prior to Mass at church on Saturday

SERVICE:

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2015 at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 2502 11thSt., Eau Claire

Walter Wirz, 89, of Chippewa Falls died at Care Partners Memory Care on August 20, 2015.

He was born on July 4, 1926 in Darlington, Wisconsin to Eugene and Lena (Kirchweier) Wirz. He graduated from Rice Lake High School where he was an outstanding football and track athlete. He competed at the collegiate level at Central Michigan, UW-River Falls and UW-La Crosse. Following service in the U.S. Navy, he graduated with a teaching degree from UW-La Crosse.

He moved to Mount McKinley National Park, Alaska where he met Milly Yuskoski and married her on August 9, 1952 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fairbanks, Alaska. They settled in Chippewa Falls where Wally worked for the Texaco Oil Company. In 1960, he founded Wally's Vending. His company has maintained a presence on the UW-Eau Claire campus for over 50 years and remains a family owned business operated by his son, Mike.

Wally will be best remembered for his achievements in the sport of bowling. He took a professional and competitive approach to the game. Wally was a fixture on WEAU TVs bowling broadcasts in the early 1960's and a consistent winner of tournaments throughout the Midwest. He was elected to the Eau Claire Bowling Hall of Fame.

Wally also enjoyed traveling with Milly in his motorhome especially when they had the opportunity to return to Alaska where it all began. He was a faithful supporter of his sons' endeavors in softball and bowling and enjoyed watching the accomplishments of the Regis football teams of the past two decades. He loved fishing off his dock when the sunfish were spawning and valued time with his brother reminiscing and talking sports.

Wally is survived by his two sons, Mark (Gail) and Mike (Kelly) of Eau Claire; brother, Gene of Medford; six grandchildren, Jason, Tony, Jessica, Dan, Chris and Molly Wirz; and one great grandchild, Peyton.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents and wife of 53 years, Milly.

The family would like to recognize the members of St. Joseph's Hospice and staff of Care Partners for providing their personal care and comfort to Wally in his final days.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2015 at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 2502 11th St., Eau Claire with Fr. Tom Krieg officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2015 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, 44 E. Columbia St., Chippewa Falls and also one hour prior to Mass at church. Entombment will be at Hope Mausoleum, Chippewa Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Regis High School in Wally and Milly's names to fund seating in the Regis auditorium.