April 6, 2016

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.