- Date Of Birth: May 23, 1969
- Date Of Death: May 10, 2015
- State: Iowa
Joseph Lee Wirtz, 45 of Mallard died Sunday, May 10, 2015 at his home in Marathon, Iowa. Joseph Wirtz, the son of Keith and Sandi (Howard) Wirtz was born May 23, 1969 in Emmetsburg, Iowa. He was raised and received his education in Mallard, graduating from the Mallard High School in 1987. He then attended the Rocky Mountain School of Fine Arts, specializing in art and design for two years. On June 24, 1989 he was united in marriage with Tina Travis in Mallard, Iowa. They have raised three children: Jacklyn Wirtz, Wyatt (Tanya) Wirtz, and KC Jo Wirtz. Joey was employed by the Palo Alto County Secondary Roads Division for 20 years. He then entered into the family business, Wirtz Backhoe & Dozer.
Joey and Tina had recently bought an acreage in Marathon where he currently worked for Jeff Grossnickle’s cattle and farming operation. Besides his parents, wife and children, Joey is also survived by his grandchildren, Wesley, Bentley, Kade, Wrigley Joe, and Ashlyn. Survivors also include Joey’s grandparents, Donna and Robert Struchen, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other family members. Those preceding Joe in death include his sister Jeanna, grandson Keaton Wirtz, grandparents, Edwin “Tubby” and Lucille Wirtz, mother-in-law Loretta Travis, and uncle Gary Travis. Joey loved his friends, family and his music. He and Pat Crotty started 2-4-1 in 2000. He has always been known for his never ending smile.
