OBITUARY FROM POST-TRIBUNE, JUNE 24, 2013:
Wirtz, Anthony Leo "Tony" Age 72, of Hobart, IN, passed away on Friday, June 21, 2013. Tony is survived by his loving wife, Geraldine DeEtte Wirtz; son, Michael (Suzanne) Wirtz; grandchildren: Amy Nicole, Mathew, and Emily Wirtz; brother, Harold (Marianne) Wirtz; sister, Mary Ann (George) Deutsch Frenchik; sisters-in-law: Evelyn Bays, Sarah (Robert) Beckmann and Frances (Joseph) Plemich; many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas and brother, John Wirtz.
Anthony "Tony" Wirtz was born on August 4, 1940, to parents, Nick and Margaret Wirtz. He retired from the School City of Hobart. Tony played a major role in the 4-H Club, Merrillville Lions Club, South County Agricultural Historical Society, Lake County Fair, Northern Indiana Historical Power Association, Buckley Homestead WWII event and Grand Kankakee Marsh. Tony was well known for his service to the community and will be greatly missed.
Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at Geisen Funeral, Cremation & Reception Centre, 606 E. 113th Ave./South St., Crown Point, IN from 2:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral prayers will be said on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at 9:15 AM at Geisen Funeral-Cremation & Reception Centre in Crown Point, IN followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 321 E. Joliet St., Crown Point, IN with Fr. Andrew Corona officiating. Interment at St. Mary's Cemetery in Crown Point, IN. Memorial donations may be given in Tony's memory to the Merrillville Lions Club. View directions and/or sign guestbook at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com or contact 219-663-2500.
This information was obtained from: http://legacy.post-trib.com/obituaries/posttribune/obituary.aspx?pid=165506083.
HERE IS A STORY FROM THE HOBART COMMUNITY SECTION OF THE NW INDIANA TIMES, JUNE 21, 2013:
72-Year-Old Dies While Working on Farm
A farmer known countywide for his community spirit died Friday while working the fields of his family's farm in Hobart.
Anthony Wirtz, 72, who lived in Lake Station, was pronounced dead by the Lake County coroner's office after its investigative team was dispatched to the 5000 block of 70th Avenue in Hobart at 2:27 p.m., according to the coroner's office.
Wirtz apparently fell off a tractor while working, but the exact manner of his death is still under investigation, said Hobart police Detective Jeremy Ogden. The circumstances of his death were not suspicious, Ogden said.
Wirtz was a tireless volunteer who was well-known in Hobart and throughout the region, particularly for his cooking, Hobart Mayor Brian Snedecor said. Dishes such as Tony's famous chops were a favorite wherever he cooked them, the mayor said.
At Hobart's Lake Fest, Wirtz prepared soups. He played Santa Claus for children at Fraternal Order of Police events. And he was a lifelong member of 4-H, helping out at the Lake County Fair every year.
"He would do anything for anybody," Snedecor said. "And all he asked in return was a thank you."
Longtime friend Tom Ehrhardt said when Wirtz wasn't cooking, he was lending out his cooking equipment to others.
"Any event in the community you saw Tony there, either cooking or supporting someone else with what they were doing," Ehrhardt said.
Wirtz was a longtime maintenance worker with the School City of Hobart as well as a farmer. Funeral arrangements are pending.
