JOHN CLARENCE WIRTH

Pasco, Wash.

Mueller's Greenlee Funeral Home

John Clarence Wirth was a proud Irish, Catholic man who rose to heaven to reunite with his father, Clarence John, his mother Emma Julia Hastings Wirth, his sister Dorothy Elizabeth Holden, and his second son Thomas Paul Wirth on June 6, 2011. He was 82. He passed peacefully at his home in Pasco, WA, under the excellent care of his son Patrick and former wife, Nida Giemza.

John was born in Pasco, WA, on May 16, 1929, and graduated from Pasco High School. 'Jack' led the Bulldogs to an undefeated season of football in 1947, and received a standing ovation when he was given his high school diploma. He traveled to St. Martins University and Eastern Washington College to play baseball and partake in the joys of college life. Jack worked as a machinist apprentice for the Northern Pacific Railroad for four years alongside his dad, the roundhouse foreman. He took his skills to Boeing for 6 years and after his fourth child, enlisted in the Air Force to ensure care for his growing family. The next 32 years of his life he served our country, supported nine adoring children, traveled the world and retired in his hometown of Pasco as a highly decorated Chief Master Sergeant. After earning his degree at Columbia Basin College, he worked as the Coordinator of Emergency Management for Benton County for 10 years.

John loved watching movies, listening to big band music, playing poker, eating well-prepared food, dancing with his gals, throwing the best parties, and being surrounded by his many friends and his loving family. Jack is survived by his sister, Mary Brockway (Ronald); children, John (Sue), Sue Jonas (Rick), Pat (Felipa), Danny (Debbie), Peggy Lufkin (Ron), Mark (Deana), Mary Wirth, Catherine Palepoi (Lon); his first wife, Carolyn Rieffer; 16 grandkids; 11 and one-half great-grandkids; his 'son' Joe Sintos; and many nieces, nephews and other friends and family.

John's viewing will be held at Mueller's Greenlee Funeral Home on Thursday, June 9, 2011, from 3 to 7 p.m. The family will greet guests between 5 and 6:30, and the rosary will follow.

The Mass will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 10.

John will always be remembered for making people laugh with his trademark sense of humor, his generosity, and his passion for life.

The family invites you to sign their online guest book at www.muellersfuneralhomes.com. Mueller's Greenlee Funeral Home in Pasco is in charge of the arrangements.