Lois J. Wirtz, age 88, Hankinson, passed away Monday, May 26, 2025, at St. Gerard’s Community of Care in Hankinson.
Funeral Mass will be Thursday, May 29, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Francis Convent Chapel in Hankinson with Msgr. Brian Donahue and Deacon James Hunt officiating. Music will be provided by organist Beth Tiegs and vocalist Scott German.
Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery, Hankinson. Pallbearers will be her grandchildren, Jessica Peterson, Jason Birchem, Brandon Buisker, Brock Buisker, Race Kath, Ryan Kath, Ruston Kath, and Rex Roeder.
Visitation will be Thursday morning one hour prior to the service at the Convent Chapel. The Eggers Funeral Home in Rosholt is in charge of the arrangements.
Lois Joan Piechowski was born March 9, 1937, to Peter J. and Johanna (Vergeldt) Piechowski in Folsom Township, Browns Valley, MN. She attended grade school in Folsom Township and high school in Browns Valley, graduating from Browns Valley High School in 1955.
On June 20, 1956, Lois was united in marriage to Norman Gaihart Wirtz at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Browns Valley. They farmed near Hankinson. In 1998, Lois and Norman moved into Hankinson where they made their home.
Lois enjoyed gardening, canning, and baking. She also liked volunteering at the St. Vincent Thrift Store. Lois especially loved her grandchildren and having them near.
Lois is survived by her husband, Norman Wirtz of Hankinson; her two sons, Jerome Wirtz (special friend Sue Kaehler) of Hankinson and James Wirtz (special friend Lisa Enwiller) of Fairmount; her four daughters, Janet (Jody) Birchem of Stirum, ND, Jill (Mark) Buisker of Fargo, ND, Janelle (Randy) Kath of Hankinson, and Jolene Roeder (fiancé Jonathan Ziegler) of Hankinson; her eight grandchildren, Jessica (Tim) Peterson, Jason Birchem (fiancé Shari Olson), Brandon Buisker, Brock Buisker, Race (Lakin) Kath, Ryan Kath, Ruston Kath, and Rex Roeder; her great-grandsons, Tristen and Skylar Peterson; her brothers, Peter C. Piechowski of Felton, MN, Eugene (Beverly) Piechowski of Avon, MN; sister-in-law, Gwen Piechowski of Watertown, SD; and several nieces and nephews.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Johanna; brother, Donald Piechowski; sister, Marietta Heck; and brother-in-law, John Heck.
The family of Lois would like to thank Hospice of the Red River Valley and St. Gerard’s Nursing Home and their excellent staff who took care of her in her time of need.
