Philip A. Wirkus

On Tuesday, May 10, 2011, Philip Alexander Wirkus, age 87, went home to be with the Lord and his loving wife under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. He was at home surrounded by his family at the time of his death. Philip was born on November 20, 1923, in the town of Wien. He was the son of the late Frank and Rose (Goldbach) Wirkus. Philip met Beatrice at a local dance. Philip and Beatrice later married on October 20, 1952, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, town of Cassel. They spent most of their 51 years of marriage raising their 11 children, working on the family dairy farm in the town of Wien, and working in the ginseng fields. Beatrice who Philip loved dearly preceded him in death in 2003 after a short battle with cancer. Philip was soft-spoken, kind-hearted, and very playful with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time fishing, hunting, playing multiple card games including blackjack, watching for wildlife and birds, listening to polkas, taking Sunday drives, and traveling. Philip is survived by his eleven children, 28 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. His children are Donna (Bob) Skubal, Tomahawk, Carol (Lorton) Stieber, Marathon, Diane (Dennis) Bergs, Edgar, Allen (Barb) Wirkus, Athens, James (Wanda) Wirkus, Linda (Gary) Burish and Laura (Daniel) Switlick, all of Edgar, Steve (Jill) Wirkus, Wausau, Kevin Wirkus, Karen (Ryan) Ellenbecker and Scott (Jennifer) Wirkus, all of Edgar. Philip's grandchildren and great-grandchildren are Joseph (Juanita) Skubal, their children Philip, Logan, Justin and Julianna; Andy (Erin) Skubal, their children Tyson and Cael; Chad (Jenny) Stieber, their children Andrea Wirkus, Alison and Alysha Stieber; Krista (Ryan) Aversman, their son Landon; Josh Kralcik and his children Jordyn and Haley; Danielle Bergs and fiancAC. Darrell Brusky; Ashley Bergs; Katie and Kelly Wirkus; Heather and Brandon Wirkus; Jason Seubert and fiancAC.e Amanda Seefeld; Darin (Rebecca) Seubert, their daughter Carina; Stephanie (Jordan) Sinz, their daughter Ilah; Brianna Burish; Tiffany and Melanie Switlick; Collin and Morgan Wirkus; Sharalyn (Adam) Musse, Kraig and Kody Wirkus; Hunter and Marissa Ellenbecker; Andrea Wirkus , Tiana and Jayden Weatherby, and Makayla Wirkus. Philip is also survived by 4 brothers - Edward, Jerome, and Lawrence Wirkus, all of Edgar and Melvin Wirkus of Clinton, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents and the following siblings JoAnn, Marge, David, George, Bernadine, Till and Evangeline. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 1:30 pm. Monday, May 16, 2011 at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. His cousin, Rev. Robert Streveler will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may pay their condolences from 10:00 am. Monday, until the time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in his name. The family of Philip would like to extend a special thank you to the Edgar Clinic, Dr. Tom Stoffel, and Aspirus Home Hospice for their loving care in addition to all others for their continued love, prayers, and thoughts.