Theodore F. “Ted” Wirkus

Dad was born on Jan 27, 1928 (or 28-27-1 as he liked to tell people) in Minto, North Dakota to Frank and Johanna Pokrzywinski Wirkus. He passed away peacefully on Friday, April 1, 2016 at home surrounded by his wife and family. Dad was raised and lived in North Dakota and Minnesota until he joined the army where he proudly served in the Korean War. After he was honorably discharged, he moved to the Flathead Valley where he worked on the Hungry Horse Dam, then went to work for Plum Creek until retirement.  On Aug 16, 1952, he married Barbara Zahnow and they resided for 63.5 years in Columbia Falls. Dad’s interests were camping, working on lawn mowers and other small appliances, and especially sitting in his garage by the fire reading Western books and sipping on a cold beer. He enjoyed visiting and harassing the checkers at Smith’s and Super One, the waitresses around town, and all the nurses who cared for him. 

Dad was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Wirkus and Johanna Zorzi; brothers Amby and Dick Wirkus; sister Angie Wilcowski, grandson Ryan Karlin, and his two little dogs, Mitzi and Charlie. Dad is survived by his wife of 63.5 years Barb; daughters Dana Karlin (George), Deena Wirkus; son Dave Wirkus (Vicki), grandchildren Chad Karlin, Stacee Morken, Lisa Shrock, Tim Rossol, and Lee and Jayden Wirkus; his great grandchildren Zak, Gage, and Cole Karlin, Madison and Mark Morken, Alix Barrett, and Nik Rossol, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

A private burial with military honors took place on Monday, April 4, 2016 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls. Dad always seemed to have the last word or laugh and yep, Dad, you did it again on April Fools Day. Dad, this isn’t good-bye, we will see you later. You’ll always be our favorite little Pollock.

Columbia Mortuary is caring for the Wirkus family.