Margaret Wirtjes

Margaret Elizabeth Raths, daughter of James and Katharine (Goergen) Raths, was born December 29, 1909 in Belview, Iowa. In 1910, her family moved to the Herman area, where Margaret grew up on the family farm and received her schooling at a country school. On September 25, 1929, she was united in marriage to Henry Wirtjes in Herman, Minnesota. The couple made their home on a farm in the Herman-Donnelly area until 1950, when they moved to Morris. Margaret worked as a cook at the Stevens County Hospital, Morris Public Schools and the University of Minnesota Morris, where she retired from cooking. Henry died in November, 1979. Margaret has continued to live in Morris until the time of her death.

Margaret was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Morris. She enjoyed cooking, crocheting, sewing and playing cards. She especially enjoyed the time she spent with family and friends.

Margaret died on Monday, August 4, 2008 at the Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris, having lived to reach the age of 98 years, 7 months, 6 days.

She is survived by one son: Marvin (Shirley) Wirtjes of Morris; two daughters: Luella “Punky” (Wally) Raasch of Morris and Shirley Pillar of St. Paul; daughter-in-law: Betty Wirtjes of Millerville; 16 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; two sisters: Emma Asmus of Herman and Elsie Lesmeister of Morris; one brother: Rudy Raths of Alexandria and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; one son: Paul Wirtjes; son-in-law: Gary Pillar; her parents; three brothers: Emil, Marcellus and Leo Raths and one sister: Leona Stowe.

Pallbearers for the service are: Don Sack, Doug Sack, Brian Pillar, Scott Wirtjes, Ron Wirtjes and Kevin Riley. Honorary pallbearers are Margaret’s grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Deb Mahoney will serve as organist for the service with Deb Alberts serving as soloist. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.