Chester Wirtz Obituary

Dear Pat & Family,



This a belated expression of condolence on your loss of Chet.

I had the privilege of serving with Chet at HQ Co., 2nd TRB, FLW, Mo., in fact I was the Personnel Sgt. who assigned him to his "cushy job" with Courts & Boards. He proved to be very capable, a good soldier & a dear friend. I had the honor of being in your Wedding party (the 'token' Northsider!).I will never forget the nearly 20 hours of non-stop celebrating. Although we lost contact over the years, I never forgot his ear to ear smile. Chet was one heck of guy! I know he is smiling down on us now. My prayers are with you.



Jack Philbin

Chester S. Wirtz - husband, dad, grandpa, papa, brother, uncle, cousin, son (who called his mother everyday she was alive), fisherman, bookkeeper, host, business associate, friend, neighbor, veteran, business owner, past president Homer/Glen Chamber of Commerce, member of Lions Club, past very involved member Knights of Columbus, anonymous donator, pool keeper, card player, Wirtz Rentals, Co., Pat-Chet's Place, Albra Rentals, Stor-N-Loc, and the best joke teller you will ever know. "Hey, you're looking good today kid." Shut up Chester! How can you tell how I look today over the phone? Chester believed in God, and Chester believed Jesus is God's Son. He did not always agree with God's decisions. Chester's first 2 sons, Richard and Paul, have been in their heavenly homes. When Paul died of leukemia, Chester told me he knew what hell felt like.

Chester loved his grandchildren Matthew, Brittany, Annalise and Jenna. I remember him coming to my house for a birthday party with a diaper bag in one hand and Matthew in the other, along with the biggest smile on his face.

Chester was a rental man most of his life - whether it was renting tools or renting space. Chester did not finish his life out at Wirtz Rentals, Co., but customers and neighbors continue to come in and ask about him. Chester introduced me to computers. He set up the first system at Wirtz Rentals for inventory.

Chester was 17 years old when I was born. My first Barbie car was from him. I knew I was getting this for Christmas because when he lived at home on 53rd & Hermitage, he kept his Christmas gifts in the basement to wrap - and I knew this hiding place. My mother told us that when Bob and Chester were younger, Bob was in the hospital for a long time, very ill. The doctors didn't know what was wrong with him. Chester built an altar at home and prayed everyday Bob was gone. They found out it was Bob's appendix, and Bob did gain his health. I don't know much about his time spent in the service, but what I do remember is the big black and white picture mom had in the house of Chester in uniform.

Chester loved being around people - all kinds of people. He had friends in Florida, friends who were priests and nuns, friends he has been close to for over 50 years, friends from business, including past employees. Pat went to the bank where Chester had his business account the other day, and they hugged her for her loss. Imagine that? No one at my bank would miss me, but I don't walk into the bank smiling and saying, "Good morning. You're looking good today." I have the same dietician as Chester. The office staff is very nice there, but when they found out Chester Wirtz was my brother, I now get "Hi Pat!" with the friendliest smiles, not to mention free stuff and longer appointments. Nieces and nephews appreciated their Uncle Chester. He was always giving them "free stuff." Lisa was visiting Stor-N-Loc, and came home with so many different perfurmes. Nick absolutely loves his racing tickets. J.R. has some special coins from a country that doesn't even exist anymore. And Heidi always needs more "storage." Chester knew Melanie was pregnant with her first child before her husband did. Chester was like a little boy when it came to keeping secrets. I remember when he brought my mother's sister to the house from Pennsylvania. My mother hadn't seen her in over 40 years. I think Chester was more surprised than mom that he was able to keep the secret. Chester knew my church needed a stove a few years back. He paid for a brand new one, but didn't want his name mentioned. I told my church ladies that every time they use the stove, they are to pray for my brother.

God gave us the gift of family. We do not choose who our brothers and sisters will be. We do not choose our cousins, aunts and uncles. But as a family, we pray together, we cry together, we laugh together, we share our sorrows and celebrate our victories together. Chester was my brother. My oldest brother. I laughed with him and I cried with him. I told him he was nuts when he said, "little kids, little problems, big kids, big problems."

In my last conversation with Chester at Michael's house, he told me he loved me. I am so grateful for that. I am so glad Chester was my brother.

Love and prayers to Pat, David, Debbie, Matthew, Brittany, Byron, Julie, Annalise and Jenna. I know you will miss Chester so much.

Dear Pat, David and Julie:

My deepest sympathy to all of you.

Today and always, may loving memories bring you strength, comfort and peace.

Love,

Joanne Wingate

Julie, Byron, Annalise, Jenna & family – we are so sorry to hear about your loss. We will be thinking about you all during this time. We know your Dad/Grandpa was a special man who gave much support and encouragement to your family. His generosity, kindness and guidance will be especially missed. Remembering your dad will be hard, as he was such a special man. But we will remember your heartache as well, which we know will never go away. You all are in our hearts and prayers. Love, Lisa, Tom, Hailey & Hunter.

TO THE ENTIRE WIRTZ FAMILY:



On Behalf of The Bonds Family, we would like to express our heartfelt sympathy, and deepest condolences on the passing away of Chester. I know that this will be a great loss to his many family and friends. Although I didn’t see Chester much after I left Wirtz Rentals, we’d still talk occasionally and share a laugh or two. For this, I considered him a friend and truly appreciated his words and thoughts. He will be greatly missed. May God bless his entire family, and give you the strength to move on and hold his memories deep in your heart.

I have many fond memories of Chester. He was a good friend and Mentor to me. I am deeply saddened by his passing. My sympathy goes out to his family.