Daniel A. Wirkus

Daniel A. Wirkus, 99, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, October 6, 2024.  He was born August 7, 1925, in Edgar, son of the late Joseph K. and Edith A. (Timm) Wirkus.  Daniel lived most of his life in Edgar, moving to Wausau after retirement, and Green Bay most recently.

In his youth, Daniel enjoyed time with his siblings, cousins, and friends, especially going to dances.  That is where he met his love, Elsie (Cihlar), with whom he celebrated almost 70 years together.  They were married September 24, 1952, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Mosinee.  She preceded him in death on May 5, 2022.

Daniel grew up on a farm in the Town of Wien and continued farming with his family for close to two decades, also being appointed postmaster at the Edgar Post Office in 1963 by President Kennedy.  He was proud of his 26 years serving his hometown community, where he liked visiting with customers and co-workers.   After retiring, he returned to farming for a few years, contributing to the Marathon County ginseng economy.  He was also active in the local chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE).

Daniel’s Catholic faith provided him with much strength and comfort.  Over the years, Daniel and Elsie were members of St. John the Baptist (Edgar) and St. Anne (Wausau) Catholic parishes, where he routinely performed duties as an usher and Eucharistic minister.  He served on St. John’s school board and with the Catholic Order of Foresters and Holy Name Society.  He was further involved in his community as a member of the Edgar Lion’s Club, including as a volunteer to deliver donated eyes for transplant to UW-Madison Hospital.

Daniel relished outdoor experiences with activities such as fishing, hunting, gardening, tinkering in the garage, or just working in the yard.  He was always up for a good game of Sheepshead.

Daniel will especially be remembered for his charming sense of humor.  He was gifted in telling stories and always ready with a poem, song, wink, or laugh.  Another of his pleasures was driving, and he travelled with Elsie across the United States to points of interest and to visit family.  Casinos were a favorite stop, as were Bingo, a good chicken dinner, and polka music at church picnics.

Daniel was a sports fan, particularly baseball.  Just a few days before dying, he intently watched the Brewers in the playoffs.  Most of all, he was thrilled to support and cheer on his children and grandchildren at their events.

Daniel is survived by his four children: Randy Wirkus, Eau Claire, Kathy (Jerry) Back, Fitchburg, Nancy (Norbert) Dreikosen, Junction City, and Jackie Wirkus, Green Bay; four grandchildren: Scott (Andrea) Back, St. Paul, MN, Nathan (Melissa) Dreikosen, Madison, Matthew Back, Fitchburg, and Noah (Sarah) Dreikosen, Madison; three great-grandchildren: Harper and Collin Dreikosen, Madison, and Cooper Back, St. Paul, MN; one sister-in-law, Irene Cihlar, Marathon; and several nieces and nephews.  Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his seven siblings and in-laws.

Visitation will be Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at St. Anne Parish, Wausau, from 9:30 am until the time of Mass at 11:30 am.  The Rev. Allan Slowiak will preside.   Entombment will follow at 1 pm at Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.  There will be a parish rosary service at 10:45 am Tuesday at the church.  Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

Daniel’s family would like to extend appreciation to the dedicated caregivers at Oak Park Place, Green Bay, and to Jennifer and Becky of Unity Hospice for their compassionate care.

Memorials may be directed to the Forget Me Not Fund, Inc. (https://www.forgetmenotfund.org), your local Humane Society, or a charity of your choice.