Kathryn Ann Wirtz

Kathryn A. (nee Hackl) Wirtz passed away on February 23, 2025, in Racine, Wisconsin. She was born in Columbus, Ohio on September 12, 1942, daughter of the late John and Helen (nee Cooke) Hackl.

On August 14,1965 at St. Edwards Catholic Church, she married the love of her life Earl J. Wirtz. Kathy graduated from St. Catherine’s High School “Class of 1960”. She attended Marquette University for 1 ½ years, then transferred to Dominican College in Racine graduating in 1964 with a degree in Elementary Education. Upon graduation, she taught first and second grade at Knapp Elementary School for 3 ½ years until the birth of her son and later her daughter. She was fortunate to be a stay-at-home mom. When her children were in school all day, she went back to work for the Racine Unified School District in the clerical area at Wm. Horlick High School, retiring in 2004. Kathy was a member of St. Sebastian Parish where she served in several capacities: Parish Trustee, School Board, Eucharistic Minister, Minister of the Word and a Minister of Hospitality. She also made food for the St. Pat’s meals and volunteered at the parish festivals for many years. She also was a member of Volunteers in Partnership and volunteered at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints Hospital.

Surviving are her husband, of 58 years, Earl; son Michael (Beth) Wirtz from North Carolina; daughter Julie (Don) Lee of Illinois; 8 grandchildren, Ryan Rooney, Carly Wirtz, Megan (Tannor) Parr, Andrew Rooney, Sawyer Wirtz, Courtney Lee, Kendra Lee and Gavin Lee; brother’s in law Daniel (Bernadette) Wirtz, Howard (Faith) Wirtz all of Racine and Patricia Wirtz of Madison. In addition to her parents and her brother Richard Hackl, she was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law John and Katherine Wirtz, brothers-in-law Marvin Wirtz, Norman Wirtz, Ken Wirz, sister-in-law Loraine Ling and other relatives and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Gregory Plata, OFM at St. Sebastian Church in Sturtevant on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 11:00 am. Private Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation for relatives and friends will take place on Tuesday, at the church from 9:30 until time of Mass. Kathy was a strong believer in Catholic education therefore besides memorials to St. Sebastian Parish, the family suggested memorials to St. Catherine’s High School.

We want to thank Ascension Wheaton Franciscan Racine and Franklin, Doctors, Nurses, Aids and others for their meaningful direction and care.