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
Frederick John “Fritz” Johanning, Jr. ~ 08-10-1948 to 03-26-2024
Linn County News Published April 3, 2024 Frederick John "Fritz" Johanning, Jr., age 75, of Blue Mound, Kan., passed away Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Mound City... [More]
Doris Maxine Basore ~ 01-02-1920 to 03-10-2024
Linn County News Published March 13, 2024 Doris Maxine Basore, age 104, Pleasanton, Kan., passed away Monday, March 10, 2024. She was born in Bates County, Mo., on Jan. 2, 1920, the daughter of Ray and Verna Chapman Lacy. She graduated from Rich Hill High School... [More]
Janice (Good) Waltmire ~ 08-20-1937 to 03-09-2024
Linn County News Published March 13, 2024 Janice (Good) Waltmire, age 86, of Overland Park, Kan., passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, March 9, 2024. She was born the youngest of four children in Mound City, Kan., on Aug. 20, 1937, to the late Ralph... [More]
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- Richard Lee Strader ~ 06-08-1974 to 02-24-24
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- Charles Vernon Rowe ~ 08-14-1930 to 02-26-2024
- Chris Martincz
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NEWS
USD 362 to return to onsite food service
Move follows decade with food management companies After a decade of partnering with private management vendors, Prairie View Unified School District 362 will return to self-operation of its food service program next school year. The decision came at the monthly... [More]
La Cygne to change insurance carrier
Purchase will still be through Truly La Cygne city leaders have opted for a new municipal insurance underwriter. On a 3-0 vote at last Wednesday’s regular meeting, with David Brenneman and Ed Smith not present, the council voted for the city to be insured through... [More]
Agriculture leading economic contributor for Linn County
Agriculture touches the lives of everyone in Linn County, whether you are a producer or a consumer, providing a direct or indirect impact of over $170 million to our county in 2023. Farming and beef cattle ranching, including feedlots and dual-purpose farming and ranching... [More]
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SPORTS
Prairie View brings home two State titles in powerlifting championship
The Prairie View powerlifting team traveled to Santa Fe Trail on March 23 for the 3A State Powerlifting Meet. The Buffalos did very well at the meet with seven lifters placing in the top three and Prairie View placing second overall as a team. “We came up 11 points short... [More]
Jayhawk softball hosts Prairie View in season opener
The Jayhawk Linn softball team hosted Prairie View in their season opener on March 19. The Lady Hawks played a double-header and lost both games to the Lady Buffs 5-15 and 13-15. The first game saw the Buffalos take a 6-3 after three innings. After this, Prairie View outscored... [More]
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- 2024 All Linn County boys’ basketball team
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- Pleasanton basketball hosts 2A Sub-State tournament
- Prairie View girls basketball falls in semifinals at Sub-State
- Jayhawk girls’ basketball makes Sub-State semifinals
- Prairie View wrestling sends four to State and comes back with two medals
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