Fern D. (Mack) Wirtz, 83

Fern D. (Mack) Wirtz, a longtime resident of Kalispell, "went to be with the Lord" on Sunday, July 19, 2009, at the Missouri River Nursing Home in Fort Benton, after seven years of complications from Parkinson's disease. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Croxford Funeral Home. Services were not held at that time to prepare for a celebration of life memorial to be held from 1 to 4 p.m. onSaturday, Sept. 19, at theLawrence Park Pavilion in Kalispell.

This will be an old-fashioned family/friendsgathering potluck/picnic! Our momloved the old-fashioned family/friends gatherings, and potlucks/picnics. We do this to honor her, so don't bring flowers or cards, bring your favorite hot dish, salad or dessert to share with all of us as we fellowship together in remembrance of her. Dress comfortable and casual for this outdoor event and please bring a comfortable folding chair and your fondest memory of Fern D. Wirtz to share with all of us. There will be a short ceremony at 1:30 p.m. to share music, fond memories and the kind oflove Fern shared with so many of her family and friends.

Fern was born Aug. 28, 1925, in Dooley, to Peter D. and Lenora (Freeman) Mack. She marriedHubert H. WirtzSept. 17, 1941, in Kalispell. Hubert was her soulmate of almost 69 years ofmarriage and they werehonored with a fabulous "65th" wedding celebration and family reunion in Fort Benton, where all of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, living siblings on both sides of their families, and many nieces, nephews and friends attended. Failing health has prevented any more celebrations, however, their support for one another during this difficult time was the example of their special love for each other. She will be missed by many.

Fern was a homemaker and worked for a number of years at the FlatheadHigh School cafeteria. She enjoyed working in her yard and garden,and loved being with her husbandand family at the many picnics, potlucks and camping trips. She was also an avid country musicadmirer and playedby ear, her piano, organ, accordion and guitar.

Fern was preceded in death by her parents, Pete and Lenora Mack; her in-laws,William and Tillie Wirtz; brothers, William J. Mack, Chester H. Mack, Wallace Mack, and Robert L. Mack; and sisters, Persis M. (Mack)Downen, Evelyn F. Mack, Phyllis Mack, Dorothy E. (Mack) Brewster, Eunice C. (Mack) Knick, Lucille Mack, Olive (Mack) Reed, and Frances M. (Mack) Ward. She was the last of her siblings; her youngest brother Robert L. Mack died three weeksprior to her death.

Both Hubert and Fern came from families of 13children and both were in the middle of those numbers. Hubert, now almost 89 years old, is the oldest of the seven children left living in his family.

Fern is survived by her husband, Hubert H. Wirtz, residing at the Missouri River Nursing Home in Fort Benton; daughters, Darlene "Dee" andhusband, Tim Dennison, of Seeley Lake, and Gerry and husband, Ron Jovanovich, of Fort Benton; grandchildren, Michael and Ginger Jovanovich of Tulsa, Okla., Troy Dennison and Tina Dullum of Missoula, Tina Jovanovich and Kate Wiebe of Wells, Maine, and TracieDennison and Doug Schmitt of Aurora, Ill.; great-grandchildren, Taylor Renaeand Savanna Grace Jovanovich; Austin Michael, Sierra Marie, and Elizabeth Shae Dennison; Sarah and Erin Wiebe; and Kaitlyn Marie and Kylie May Schmitt; and many nieces and nephews.

Please share any memorials in honor of her, to someone who is struggling in this economic crisis, because that is who our mother was, always sharing what she had with those whoneeded it the most. "May God bless you generously for sharing what you have with those who have less." With sincere appreciation, Darlene "Dee" Dennison and Geraldine "Gerry" Jovanovich, her daughters and their extended families.

This paid obituary is being run again at the request of the family.