Norman C. Wirth

Norman C. Wirth, 91 of Devils Lake formerly of Munich, ND passed away in the presence of family, Sunday, February 3, 2019 at Eventide Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake.

Norman Charles, son of Michael and Martha (Janowski) Wirth, was born on September 8, 1927 in Trier Township west of Munich, ND. He grew up on the family farm at rural Munich and attended Munich Public School. 

At the age of 18, Norman enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country during World War II in the Philippines, Hawaii and other areas of the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. After his honorable discharge he returned to the family farm operation, working with his dad and brothers. He later farmed with his sons and grandsons.  Norman also spent time in Churchill, Canada test driving Army vehicles.

In 1950, Norman met his beloved Nora Spratt and they were united in marriage on July 28, 1951. They spent two winters living in Everett, WA, and one in Julesburg, CO, working during the winter months. They lived, worked and raised their five children in the Munich area for many years.  Norman was an active farmer his entire life, still driving tractor in the fall of 2018.  He was proud to have his grandson, Jonathan Wirth living on the farm he loved. 

In 1981, Norman and Nora moved off the family farm to Devils Lake and in 1999, they purchased a home in Arizona where they had been spending the winter months for many years prior. They had a cabin on Wood Lake and spent many wonderful summers there since 1990. They made it their permanent summer home in 2000 along with Mesa as their winter home. From 2006 until 2013 they lived in West View Apartments in Munich, then moved to Heartland Courts in Devils Lake.  Nora passed away on December 30, 2013 and Norman continued to make his home in Devils Lake until his death.

Norman was an active member of his community. He enjoyed his time in league bowling, as a member of the Commercial Club and Sarles American Legion. He also participated in the many activities of the Eagles, Elks Lodge and the VFW Club.  He was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree.

Norman’s passion was farming, honorably serving his country, and loving his family. He was a member on a traveling amateur basketball league after returning from the Navy. He and Nora traveled many miles to follow the sporting events and activities of their children and grandchildren.  He never missed a chance to go fishing with his brother Lester while living in Devils Lake.  He loved driving up to the farm to check the crops, and see what the boys were doing.  He always liked to visit the lake on the weekends and spend time fishing and riding on the pontoon!

Norman’s love for his family, his Catholic faith, his farm and his country never wavered. May he rest in God’s everlasting peace.

Norman is survived by his children Gary (Lori) Wirth, Bruce (Rita) Wirth, Brian Wirth (Kerna) and Lynette (Gary) Beck all of Munich; daughter-in-law Linda (Geryl) Harder, Hampden, ND; fifteen grandchildren Christopher (Tiffany) Wirth, Larissa (Rob) Skjonsberg: Jonathan Wirth, Alicia (Jon) Wolfgram, Renae (Carl) Ahlberg, Adam Wirth:-Tanya (Shane) Johnson, Benjamin Wirth: Brittany Wirth, Mitchell Wirth: Monica Beck, Rachel (Aaron) Olson, Danielle (Peter) Vail, Riley (Ashli) Beck, Travis Beck (Lexy); twenty-seven great grandchildren; sisters Geraldine Tholkes and Martha Rose Henderson both of Langdon, ND, Madelyn Hoffmann, Larimore, ND and Lois Dawley, Munich; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Nora; son Larry; brothers Victor and Lester Wirth; sisters Loretta Hiltner, Beatrice Houghton, Francis Wirth and Valery Hudson.

Celebrants; Father Steven Wirth and Father Mathew Pamplaniyil

Special Music; St Mary's Choir, Soloist; Tanya Wirth Johnson, Pianist; Lori Beck

Altar Servers; Gianna Ahlberg, Great Granddaughter; Peyton Hall;  Cross Bearer- Oliver Wirth, Great Grandson

Lectors; Larissa Skjonsberg, Renae Ahlberg

Prayers of the Faithful; Danielle Vail, Brittany Wirth

Gift Bearers; Lauryn Wolfgram, Leighton Wolfgram, Aubrey Wirth- Great Granddaughters

Eucharistic Minister; Rachel Olson

Special Tribute; Alicia Wolfgram

Casket Bearers will be Norman’s grandsons; Christopher Wirth, Jonathan Wirth, Adam Wirth, Benjamin Wirth, Mitchell Wirth, Riley Beck, Travis Beck

 Honorary Casket Bearers will be Norman’s granddaughters; Larissa Skjonsberg,  Alicia Wolfgram, Renae Ahlberg, Tanya Johnson, Brittany Wirth, Monica Beck, Rachel Olson, Danielle Vail

Mass of Christian Burial for Norman will be held on Thursday, February 7, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Munich, ND with Father Steven Wirth and Father Mathew Pamplaniyil celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in the spring in St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery, rural Calio with Military Honors accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team. 

Visitation will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, February 6^th beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m.  The Rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus with a 4^th Degree Honor Guard. Visitation on Thursday will be one hour prior to the funeral Mass.