Fern Wirtz

Fern D. (Mack) Wirtz, 84, a long-time resident of Kalispell, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 19, 2009, at the Missouri River Nursing Home in Fort Benton after seven years of complications from Parkinson's disease. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Croxford Funeral Home. Services were not held at that time to prepare for a "celebration of life memorial" to be held in Kalispell on Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Lawrence Park Pavilion from 1 to 4 p.m.

This will be an old-fashioned family/friends gathering potluck/picnic. Our mom loved them. We do this to honor her, so don't bring flowers or cards, bring your favorite hot dish, salad or dessert to share with all of us as we fellowship together in remembrance of her. Dress casual for this outdoor event and bring a comfortable folding chair and your fondest memory of Fern D. Wirtz to share. There will be a short ceremony at 1:30 p.m. to share music, fond memories and the kind of love Fern shared with so many of her family and friends.

Fern was born Aug. 28, 1925, in Dooley to Peter D. and Lenora (Freeman) Mack. She married Hubert H. Wirtz on Sept. 17, 1941, in Kalispell. Hubert was her soul mate of almost 69 years of marriage and they were honored with a fabulous 65th wedding celebration and family reunion in Ft. Benton, where all of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, living siblings on both sides of their families and many nieces, nephews and friends attended. Failing health had prevented any more celebrations; however, their support for one another during this difficult time was the example of their special love for each other. She will be missed by many.

Fern was a homemaker and worked for a number of years at the Flathead High School cafeteria. She enjoyed working in her yard and garden, and loved being with her husband and family at the many picnics, potlucks and camping trips. She was also an avid country music admirer and played by ear her piano, organ, accordion and guitar.

Fern was preceded in death by her parents, Pete and Lenora Mack; her in-laws, William and Tillie Wirtz; brothers William J. Mack, Chester H. Mack, Wallace Mack and Robert L. Mack; sisters Persis M. (Mack) Downen, Evelyn F. Mack, Phyllis Mack, Dorothy E. (Mack) Brewster, Eunice C. (Mack) Knick, Lucille Mack, Olive (Mack) Reed and Frances M. (Mack) Ward. She was the last of her siblings; her youngest brother Robert L. Mack died three weeks prior to her death. Both Hubert and Fern came from families of 13 children and both were in the middle of those numbers. Hubert, now almost 89 years old, is the oldest of the seven children left living in his family.

Fern is survived by her husband Hubert H. Wirtz, residing at the Missouri River Nursing Home in Fort Benton; daughters Darlene (Dee) and husband Tim Dennison of Seeley Lake; Gerry and husband Ron Jovanovich of Fort Benton; grandchildren Michael (Ginger) Jovanovich of Tulsa, Okla.; Troy (Tina Dullum) Dennison of Missoula, Tina (Kate Wiebe) Jovanovich of Wells, Maine; and Tracie Dennison (Doug) Schmitt of Aurora, Ill; great-grandchildren Taylor Renae and Savanna Grace Jovanovich; Austin Michael, Sierra Marie and Elizabeth Shae Dennison; Sarah and Erin Wiebe; and Kaitlyn Marie and Kylie May Schmitt; and many nieces and nephews.

Please share any memorials in honor of Fern with someone who is struggling in this economic crisis, because that is who our mother was, always sharing what she had with those who needed it the most. May God bless you generously for sharing what you have with those who have less. With sincere appreciation, Darlene (Dee) Dennison and Geraldine (Gerry) Jovanovich, her daughters and their extended families.