Theodore F. 'Ted' Wirkus, 88

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  and a half 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 1, 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 and a half years, Barb; daughters, Dana Karlin and George, and Deena Wirkus; son, Dave Wirkus, and 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, 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 goodbye, we will see you later. You’ll always be our favorite little Pollock.”

Columbia Mortuary is caring for the Wirkus family.