Wallace L. Wirth

Wallace Lee Wirth - 91

Born in Creston, Iowa on September 30, 1935 to Charles & Josephine (Derauf) Wirth, he was the youngest of four siblings. Wally attended Creston Schools (Class of ’53) where he met his mentor Clyde Bailey, a friendship that would span six decades. Early on, Wally developed a love for fishing, hunting and basketball. While playing guard for Creston High, radio announcer Jim Zabel proclaimed Wally had hands “faster than lightning” on the court.

In 1956, Wally was drafted into the U.S. Army where he was a Commander in the 41st Tank Battalion, Company B. Honorably discharged, Wally earned his BA from Northern Illinois University and a Masters from Indiana State. He went on to teach at several high schools including Eisenhower H.S. in Blue Island, Illinois. It is here that he met the love of his life, Frances Jane Bradfield, who he married on June 6, 1965.

Upon returning to Blue Island, Wally and Jane were blessed with two sons, Charles Wirth of Fenton, Michigan and Todd Wirth and daughter-in-law Fatimah Wirth of Brookhaven, Georgia. For the next 27 years, Wally continued teaching as a college professor at Thornton Community College, which later became South Suburban. Wally also excelled at selling real estate and became a licensed broker and realty owner for over 20 years.

Wally was committed to community service and philanthropy. He served as President of the local Lions Club and, along with his wife, gave away new bicycles as prizes in the 4th of July Parade contest in his hometown of Creston.

Following retirement, Wally and Jane relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, before moving to their final retirement home in Georgetown Texas, where they lived for 20 years, making friends and memories in their Sun City Community. Wally was preceded in death by his wife and three siblings, Charles Junior Wirth (Helen), Elizabeth Anne Fogle (Raymond) and Benjamin Edward Wirth. Finally, the family would like to recognize Wally’s friend and puzzle partner Tammie Allen for her care.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the non-profit Creston Strand Theater Restoration Project (425) 246-9078.