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BORN
1949
DIED
2018
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Christopher Wirtz Obituary
Born: July 16, 1949; in McHenry, IL
Died: October 26, 2018; in McHenry, IL
Christopher "Chris" Wirtz, age 69, of Johnsburg, passed away peacefully with his family present Friday, October 26, 2018, at Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital. He was born July 16, 1949 to the late Francis and Joan (Byrne) Wirtz, in McHenry, IL.
Chris started working at McGee's clothing store in McHenry at the age of 14 for his Uncle Tony. He graduated from Marian Central High School in 1967, and continued his education at Elgin Community College for two years. He was soon after drafted into the Army in 1969. At 25 years old, he opened his own clothing store, Christopher's Mens Wear, on Main Street in McHenry. There he enjoyed many years of style, comradery, and success until retired from the clothing business in 1998. He then worked for a short time at Fox Valley Chemical in sales. His final career path led him to a family business, working for his nephew, Joe Huemann. He worked at Huemann Water Conditioning where he thrived, up until his untimely death. He had a great sense of humor, a love of the outdoors, and the ability to make everyone he met feel like a friend. His influence was vast, and his presence will be missed by all who knew him.
Chris is survived by his loving wife, Barb (Huemann) Wirtz, whom he married on October 4, 1969 at Saint John the Baptist Church in Johnsburg, IL. His surviving children are Jessica (Wirtz) Justen and Jonathan Wirtz and their spouses Timothy Justen and Sara (Penoyer) Wirtz. His surviving grandchildren are Amanda, Brody, Colby, and Austin Frazier, and Katelyn and Trevor Wirtz. His surviving brothers and sisters include Patrick and Ann Wirtz, Tony and Laurie Wirtz, Russell and Jill (Wirtz) Siler, Peter Wirtz, and Dave and Jennifer (Wirtz) Kueffner.
A wake will be held at Colonial Funeral Home on Thursday, November 1st from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at 591 Ridgeview Dr., McHenry, IL 60050. In addition, all are welcome to gather at Colonial Friday morning from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, before proceeding to the church. The Funeral Mass and burial will be held Friday, November 2nd at 10:30 am at St. John the Baptist Church at 2302 W Church St., Johnsburg, IL 60051.
For more information, please visit www.colonialmchenry.com or call 815-385-0063.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Wirtz
Sponsored by Colonial Funeral Home & Crematory.
Terry Mahoney
October 20, 2021
Sending my condolences to Barb on this occasion and my distant, yet, very good recollections of Chris. GOD be with you, both.
Terry
September 1, 2021
Condolences.
Donna Miller
November 6, 2018
Dear Barb, I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I remember first meeting Chris at Magees while shopping for my husband. When Christopher's opened we were so happy to follow him there. Chris always had a smile on his face and so happy to help in any way he could. God Bless you and yours.
William Robel
November 2, 2018
I only knew Chris as a brother to Tony, and occasional visits to the store...
He was always friendly.
Condolences to Tony, and entire family.
Kurt Begalka
November 1, 2018
Dear Pat and Ann, on behalf of the McHenry County Historical Society, our deepest sympathy the the premature passing of Chris. May God's comfort and strength be with you and your family.
Jackie (Hiller) Gifford
October 31, 2018
My condolences to your entire family. Jonathan, thank you for the recent email you sent me at your Dad's request. Chris was always such a bright spot in the day whenever our paths crossed or we had a chance to chat about water products. I can only imagine the void your family is experiencing, but there's a bright new star shining from the heavens.
Thomas Lordan
October 31, 2018
I was a class mate of Christopher's at Marian Central. Before I knew Chris, I worked for the phone company and got to know his father. HIs father was one of the kindest men I've ever met. And Chris was the same way. Always a smile. Always a sense of humor. A very kind man. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. My wife and I will keep Chris, Barb, and his family in our prayers. As Christians, we know that we will see him again.
--Tom Lordan, Phoenix, AZ, October 31, 2018
Cindi Davern
October 31, 2018
I was a classmate with Chris at Marian. Haven't seen him since the 25th reunion, but I will always remember what a wonderful guy he was! Always made everyone feel comfortable. My thoughts and prayers are with Barb and his family at this difficult time. So very sorry for your loss.
David Hopper Jr
October 31, 2018
My condolences Jon. Ur father was a special person. He is going to be missed. Love u brother
Barbie Gray
October 30, 2018
Dear Barb,Jessica & Jonathan- Our thoughts are with you during this diffucult time. I recall so many good memories living above the store when you kids would come up to play with Jason! Just know what a wonderful person Chris was and how much he will be missed. Keep those memories close to your heart! Love to Tony too!
Kristine Newkirk
October 30, 2018
Dear Barb & Family,
You're in our thoughts and prayers. Chris always had a smile, and now as the Lord places His arms around him to take him home. Chris will be greatly missed.
Kristine & Chris Newkirk
Elly
October 30, 2018
Barbara, You and your family are in my thought..Elly (Justen) Wall from Largo ,Fl...My sister Carol Buss send me info on Chris death...Sending my love to you,I know hard death is for everone.
Mary Moore
October 30, 2018
Barb ,Jessica, Johnathan my thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Sorry I won't be there but I was able to spend some quality time with all of you including Chris the last week of his journey to be with our savior. I will keep him in my thoughts always.
rich janusz
October 30, 2018
A first class gentleman with an infectious smile ! I always would tease him saying the boat works better in the water than on the trailer as he would be cleaning it getting it ready for the season. Rest in peace my friend. Thoughts and prayers to you all... Rich Janusz, Johnsburg IL
Peter Thennes
October 30, 2018
A fantastic man with a fantastic family. The community won't be the same without him.
Betty (Woods) Fisher
October 30, 2018
Barb and Family, our prayers and thoughts go with you on this journey. We are so sorry to hear of Chris' passing, he is a wonderful person and has left so much of himself with you and the Family. We will carry him in our memories forever. God Bless.
Francene Weyland
October 30, 2018
Sincere Sympathy to all the family. Chris was a special person and was always helpful to his many customers. He will be missed. Sorry I cannot be there in person, my thoughts will be with you.
Gretchen Sherman
October 30, 2018
Dear Barb. Jessica and Johnathan. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Chris was a great guy and even if I saw him each day or once a year we always had a chat and usually a good laugh. He will be missed.
October 30, 2018
Chris will be missed in the neighborhood, community club and at Huemann's Water. The ducks, geese and coyotes wont.
A good guy! Sorry for the family's loss.
George and Cathy Braun, sending
Mary Invie
October 30, 2018
So sorry for your loss. I was a Marian alum and crossed paths with Chris through the years in McHenry, at the store and while working with Heuman water. He was always such a friendly and helpful person. I am sure he will be greatly missed. Sincerely, Mary (Farley) Invie
Kirk Donald
October 30, 2018
I met Chris 30 yrs. ago at his clothing store. As the obituary says, he immediately made me feel like a friend. Attending St. John's myself, I always felt things were going to be alright with persons such as Chris in our community. I just spotted his photo in the church directory today. Very saddened by his passing.
Patricia Syens
October 29, 2018
My sincere sympathy to all of Chris' family and friends. Chris had a way of brightening the day of all he encountered and leaving them with a positive feeling. He will be missed. His memory will always be there to provide some peace and a legacy of harmony.
Joe Moerschbaecher
October 29, 2018
He was a very good friend. He took care of me as a new student at a new school in 3rd grade.
Calli Behrens
October 29, 2018
Sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Chris,Nancy Young
October 29, 2018
Our deepest sympathies to you and family. Our world just got a little smaller. We're so sorry.
Jackie Lamb
October 29, 2018
I'm so sorry to hear Chris passed. Barb you and your family are in our prayers. I can remember his great smile
cam pawlowski
October 29, 2018
Barb and family my prayers go out to all of you. May God wrap his arms around all of you and give you healing for this sad time. Remember all the good times that you all had with Chris. He will now watch over you from a much better place. His time on earth was well spent and he is in God's glory now. Love to you all Cam and Bob Pawlowski
Bill Sullivan
October 29, 2018
Barb, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Chris was a great guy and will be missed by all the people that he touched, during his life.
Jeni Hopp
October 29, 2018
Uncle Chris ~ The heavens are singing as they have welcomed you home. We are saddened that we had to lose you, but the angels are enjoying your smile, great stories & laughter. We are cherishing the memories we have with you until we meet again. Thank you for loving the way you did, sharing your love of boating with us and for always making us feel loved. Your pain is gone, your worries have diminished and you can once again enjoy the boats on the water, the sunsets & a great drink with all of those who have been waiting to see you again in heaven. We love you Unc and our hearts will never be the same. XOXO Matt, Jeni, Morgan & Delaney Hopp.
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