Joseph Edward WURTZ

Joseph Edward Wurtz, a retired auto worker and military service member who was a life-long resident of the St. Louis area passed away on Friday November 6, 2020 at 3:43 pm at St. Luke’s hospital due to complications related to coronavirus illness. He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Carol Wurtz; and two sons, Peter John Wurtz (daughter-in-law Nancy Wurtz) and Joseph Edward Wurtz II (daughter-in-law Elena Wurtz). He is preceded in death by his first son Michael Edward Wurtz. He was the proud grandfather of five: Peter John Wurtz II, Noah Michael Wurtz, Elijah Joseph Wurtz, Julia Reese Wurtz and Mia Claire Wurtz. He had one great grandchild, Zayden Rey Wurtz. He was born on June 29, 1947 in Pacific, Missouri to Thelma and Charles Wurtz into a large family with 13 brothers and sisters: Della Vinson, Henry Wurtz, Glenn Wurtz, Josephine Dixon, Martha Sutherland, Laura Hardcastle and Lee Wurtz. Joseph is preceded in death by siblings: Charles Wurtz II, Walter Wurtz, Myrtle Vassel, Oliver Wurtz, Martin Wurtz. Education was a priority for Joe, and he graduated from Fontbonne University with a business degree. He was passionate about his spirituality, history and was an avid reader. While enlisted in the US Army National Guard, he worked for Chrysler corporation for 32 years. He and his wife Carol enjoyed traveling the country and visiting extended family and friends, having visited all 50 states. His hobbies included aviation, collecting memorabilia and anything having to do with the Saint Louis Cardinals. He enjoyed watching his sons and grandchildren play various sports throughout the years and going to church as a family. He was ever present and never late. Joe was personable, always eager to meet new people. He was a generous man filled with a strong faith, which he shared with as many as he could. He never missed an opportunity to pray with others and wish them all the blessings that God had for them. Nothing meant more to Joe than family as he took every opportunity to spend time with them. He adored his grandchildren and great grandchild and helped them establish a foundation with Jesus. Joe was an original- who was going to do life on his terms. He left a lasting impression, as anyone who met him, found it impossible to forget him. His friends and family will always remember him as a loving and giving man of God. Service will be held on Thursday November 12, 2020 at Faith Church in Earth City at 3590 Rider Trail South. An alternative virtual service is available through Zoom with meeting code 3146352277 (no password). Visitation will be from 10:00am – 11:00am. Service from 11:00 am – 12:00pm. Following the service at Faith Church, his body will be laid to rest at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis at 1:30pm at 2900 Sheridan Road.

Joseph Edward WURTZ

June 26, 1947 - November 6, 2020