Willie Worthy Wurtz, age 89, Pleasanton, Kan., passed away on Wednesday, March 30, 2016, at Mercy Health Center, Fort Scott, Kan. Willie was born April 9, 1926, in Beagle, Kan. to Benjamin F. and Viola M. Brant Wurtz. He had 27 brothers and sisters. Willie lived in Pleasanton most of his life.
Willie was a proud World War II veteran. He served two tours of duty first entering the U.S. Army on July 8, 1944. He was a rifleman 745 in Company E, 23rd Infantry, under General George Patton. He served in the European Theatre, including the Rhineland Campaign and Central Europe Campaign. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, in which he recalls being under heavy machine gun fire being nearly hit several times. His fellow soldiers told him he was very lucky to be alive. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon. Willie was honorably discharged Nov. 22, 1945. He re-enlisted the very next day, Nov. 23, 1945, this time serving with 8th Division 3191 Engineers. His duties were guarding prisoners and clean up post war. He received the Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal, Germany. He was honorably discharged on Jan. 6, 1947, with recommendation for further military training.
Willie participated in the Veterans History Project through the Library of Congress.
Willie was a logger, providing well for his family. He liked to travel, eat out, go to country music dances and casinos. His favorite TV show was the Weather Channel. He liked old westerns and John Wayne movies. He was an enthusiastic fan of the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. He was a past member of the VFW, Linn County Post, Honorary Member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, and a member of the AARP. Willie frequently contributed to veterans’ charitable organizations.
Willie married Carol Hood in 1950 and they had five children. He later married Lois Minden.
Survivors include sons Alan Wurtz and wife, Linda, of Mesa, Ariz., Jim Wurtz of Paola and Scott Wurtz and wife, Tammy, of Collegeville, Pa., and daughters Geneva Hackler of Olathe and Susan Willard of Fort Scott. He is survived by 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Surviving siblings are Albert, Lillie, Lester, Roscoe, Bob and Thelma. He is survived by a very special friend Mary Galicia.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Patricia and two grandchildren Hans and Tara.
Funeral service was held Tuesday, April 5, 2016, at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel. Burial was in the Pleasanton Cemetery. The family suggests contributions to the Disabled American Veterans. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com. Arrangements: Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel.
OBITUARIES
Windfred Allen DeMott ~ 09-15-1940 to 06-07-2025

Linn County News Published June 18, 2025 Windfred Allen DeMott, age 84, resident of Bronaugh, Mo., died Saturday June 7, 2025, at the home. He was born Sept. 15, 1940, in Mound City, Kan., and his parents were Clyde Vernon DeMott and Alice Rosemond (Jackman) DeMott.... [More]
Maxine Breuel ~ 11-20-1926 to 06-07-2025

Linn County News Published June 11, 2025 Maxine Breuel, age 98, Mound City, Kan., passed away Saturday, June 7, 2025. She was born on Nov. 20, 1926, in Mound City, Kan., the daughter of Stacey and Ruth Ellis Furse. She graduated from Mound City High School... [More]
Richard Paul Henderson ~ 07-26-1950 to 06-01-2025
Linn County News Published June 11, 2025 Richard Paul Henderson, age 74, of Blue Mound, Kan., passed away Sunday, June 1, 2025. He was born on July 26, 1950, in Fort Scott, Kan., the son of Charles and Lidea Morris Henderson. After graduating high school, Rich joined... [More]
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- Gary Ray Johnson ~ 03-10-1935 to 05-28-2025
- Rees Lyle Shattuck ~ 08-31-1931 to 05-26-2025
- Wayne Eldon Long ~ 07-03-1942 to 05-24-2025
- John Ted Miles ~ 01-29-1960 to 05-01-2025
- Zachary Eldon White ~ 06-12-1992 to 04-29-2025
NEWS
CANCELED: Statewide Purple Alert issued for missing Yates Center woman

UPDATE WOODSON COUNTY – The Yates Center Police Department reported to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) that Tammara Isaacs was located safely. The statewide Purple Alert is canceled. - - - - WOODSON COUNTY – The Yates Center Police... [More]
Parker mayor seeks affidavits to file charges

Webber cites lake ruts video footage, loose dogs chasing people indoors To assure a method for citing and prosecuting wrongdoings against city ordinance and codes, Parker Mayor Jason Webber is choosing to utilize legal affidavits. At last Thursday’s monthly... [More]
USD 346 board learns of overpayments

During the June 9 meeting of the USD 346 Board of Education, the board learned the district had been notified of overpayments they received between fiscal years 2016 and 2023. The overpayments were discovered when Public Consulting Group (PCG) was reviewing the cost reporting... [More]
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- NOTICE
- Commissioners discuss estimate on overlay project
- Pleasanton council meeting heated over fire personnel interviews
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- SPECIAL: Election cycle will not require primary
- Blue Moon Youth Center to hold matinees this summer
- Pleasanton council divided on Fire Chief appointment
SPORTS
Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team places seventh at State, Wallace earns State championship

The Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team traveled to Wichita to compete in the Kansas Trapshooting State tournament. The tournament features more than 110 high schools and over 1,500 student athletes. Pleasanton/Jayhawk compete in the 2A competition which happened on June... [More]
Joey Ewalt impacting youth wrestling here and abroad

Prairie View’s head boys’ wrestling Coach Joey Ewalt does more for the sport than just coaching the Buffalos, he has made an impact on the sport as a wrestler, coach and official. Ewalt began his wrestling career at the very young age of four. His father, Mike Ewalt,... [More]
More Sports
- Pleasanton and Jayhawk baseball on the 2025 All TRL team
- Jayhawk Linn softball has three All TRL unanimous selections
- Trenton Broyles leads Hawks at State track
- Prairie View track earns six medals at State
- Pleasanton’s Gratton wins two golds, sets meet record
- Jayhawk track breaks another school record and qualifies multiple athletes for State
- School records and State qualifiers are made for the Jays at Eureka
- Prairie View track qualifies multiple athletes for State
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com

