WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Helen Louise (Friedman) Wirges, age 87, of Nottawa, passed away Tuesday, June 14, 2011, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.
She was born Aug. 30, 1923, in Fort Wayne, Ind., a daughter to the late Frank and Lena (Rhines) Friedman.
Helen attended St. Judes Grade School and graduated from Central Catholic High School in Ft. Wayne in 1941. Following High School she joined the U.S. Navy, WAVES , and served in World War II.
On Feb. 8, 1947, in Fort Wayne, she married Harold E. Wirges. He preceded her in death in 1994.
She has been a resident of Nottawa since 1977 and has been a summer resident since 1961.
Helen was a homemaker and enjoyed bowling with the seniors group, reading, crossword puzzles, gardening, living at the lake, and was an avid Detroit Tigers baseball fan.
Surviving are seven children, Barbara (Dan) Graham of Columbia City, Ind., Mary (Gary) Wagner of Ft. Wayne, Gerald (Gerry) Wirges of New Haven, Ind., Charles (Angela) Wirges of Ft. Wayne, George (Pam) Wirges of Churubusco, Ind., Nancy Watson of Centreville, and Harold Wirges of Nottawa.; 25 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Richard White of Oregon; and her two cats.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Joan Middleton; brother, Ray Girard; sisters, Alice Sorg, Elaine Murphy, and Ruth White.
The family will receive friends and relatives from 4-8 p.m. Monday at the Hackman Family Funeral Home — Rosenberg Chapel, 807 E. Chicago Road, Sturgis. A Rosary service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
A Memorial Mass will take place at 11 a.m. June 25, 2011, at Holy Angels Catholic Church,
404 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, with the Rev. Father Richard Fritz, celebrant. Interment and graveside services will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery with full military honors by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard and the Capt. John J. Kelley V.F.W. Post #1355.
Memorial donations may be directed to Holy Angels Catholic Church or the Salvation Army Food Bank. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
