Raymond Joseph Wirtz

Raymond Wirtz passed away on October 18, 2014 after a short battle with Leukemia. He was surrounded by his children who loved and cared for him during his last weeks. Ray was born on December 1, 1932 in Yucca, North Dakota - one of seventeen children. During his childhood, he moved to the Ballard neighborhood, attended St. Alphonsus School and later graduated from ODea High School. Ray served with honors in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He had a long career as commercial painter, and helped establish St. Thomas More Church and School. He coached baseball and was instrumental in the formation of Pacific Little League of Lynnwood. He loved to watch his children and grandchildren play sports, and enjoyed watching local high school basketball. He looked forward to weekly poker games with his friends, liked horse racing, and was a devout Husky football and Gonzaga basketball fan.Raymond was preceded in death by his wife Donna, who passed away in 1998. He is survived by his sister, Mary DeDonker; wonde friend, Kay Russell; and his seven children: Greg Wirtz, Sharon (Mike) Crosby, Todd (Noreen) Wirtz, Laurie (Pete) Behmer, John Wirtz, Chris Wirtz, and Bill (Lori) Wirtz. Ray was blessed with eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.