Obituary of Larry Wirtz

Dr. Larry Lynn Wirtz, DDS, passed away on February 13 in Springfield, OR. He was born on March 28, 1936, to Dr. Robert William Wirtz and Pauline Claire Parry Wirtz in Washington, Iowa. He grew up in the small town of Wellman, located in SE Iowa. As a child, he worked on the family farm, assisted with his father's woodworking and beekeeping hobbies, and played alto saxophone in the town's band. He attended Wellman Public School from kindergarten through high school, graduating in 1954 with a class of 25. In 1955 he earned the rank of Eagle Scout with 3 palms. He had a summer job with Rock Island Railroad and built a home in Wellman (still standing) which he sold to help pay for college. He attended the University of Iowa/State University of Iowa College of Dentistry, earning his doctor of dental surgery degree in 1963. He obtained his pilot's license and was a member of the Flying Samaritans, providing free dental care to people in rural Baja California. In 1963, he joined the US Navy, a Lieutenant Commander serving as the ship's dentist, tour guide and photographer on the USS Prairie (AD-15). Always the planner, while on tour in Japan and without a fiancée, he purchased a diamond for his future wife. Dr. Wirtz was one of the first dentists in the North Eugene/Sheldon area, opening his office in 1966 at 2377 Oakmont Way. He met his first wife, Loree Mae King, a school teacher at Santa Clara Elementary, on a blind date. They were married 4 months later on July 8, 1967, at Wesley United Methodist Church and made their home in Eugene where they enjoyed nearly 28 years of marriage. An avid fisherman, pilot, landscaper and woodworker, Dr. Wirtz wasted no time engaging his daughters Monica and Liesl in these activities, who admitted they sometimes participated reluctantly. Despite working 12 hour days, he was a devoted father who made time to attend his girls' numerous dance, band and school performances and planned fun family vacations. In 1976-77, he commissioned the Lassen Bros. to build the distinctive white brick office now located at 2477 Oakmont Way, designing much of the interior himself. He was a member of the Lane County Dental Society, Oregon Dental Association and the American Dental Association. His welcoming wit, community-mindedness and artistic precision led to a successful practice from which he retired in 1996 after 33 years. He married Carolyn Bradshaw (Sherrell) on April 13, 1996, and gained two step-children, Russell Sherrell and Tonya Sherrell Edmisten. In his retirement, Dr. Wirtz enjoyed his 5 grandchildren, traveling to Europe and French Polynesia with Carolyn, celebrating special events with family and friends, cruising and fishing in British Columbia and on Lake Powell, and hunting sage rats in Eastern Oregon. He continued woodworking and created many beautiful gifts for family, friends, and the church community, often made out of black walnut that he brought back from Iowa. Dr. Wirtz is survived by his wife, Carolyn; sister Cozy (Jim) Millice of Wellman, IA; daughters Monica Wirtz (Gary Skye) of Portland and Liesl Wirtz (Christopher Frey) of San Jose; stepdaughter Tonya (Kevin) Edmisten of Aloha; stepson Russell (Kate) Sherrell of Hillsboro; grandchildren Andraya, Madelynn and Gretchen Geraths, and Trisha and Kenneth Edmisten; nephews Tony and Andy Millice; grandnephew Chase Millice, and beloved pomeranian, Teddy III. A memorial and celebration of life service for Dr. Wirtz will be held at the Coburg United Methodist Church, 91193 North Willamette in Coburg on Sunday, February 22 at 2 pm. Arrangements entrusted to Musgrove Family Mortuary. Please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at musgroves.com.