Lawrence Wirkus
Lawrence N. “Huntz” Wirkus, 94, lifelong resident of Edgar, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at House of the Dove in Marshfield under the compassionate care of Compassus Hospice Care. He was bom March 28,1931, in the Town of Wien, son of the late Frank and Rose (Goldbach) Wirkus. Bom and raised in Edgar, he was a graduate of Edgar High School, Class of 1949. On November 24, 1954, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Joan Lensmire, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marathon. Their nearly 71 years together were a testament to their enduring devotion.
As a lifelong farmer, he purchased the family farm in 1957, where he devoted his life to dairy and crop farming. He spent his days working the land—farming, logging and practicing conservation through efforts such as creating waterways and contour strip cropping. He was honored to receive the Wisconsin Tree Farm Award in recognition of his stewardship.
He was a devoted member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edgar and lived by his guiding reminder: ‘Always remember God is #1.’
Lawrence took great pride in restoring his father’s 1915 Buick and showcasing it at car shows. He was active in the Wien Wildcats 4-H Club and spent many years coaching basketball, softball and volleyball. He instilled a strong work ethic in his children and was known for his wonderful sense of humor, always ready with a joke or two. He enjoyed spending quiet days fishing at the family pond, as well as trips to the casino and playing Sheepshead with family.
Those who continue to carry on his story include his beloved wife of 70 years, Joan, and their four children: Frank (Connie) Wirkus of Edgar, Dawn (Terry) Borchardt of Marathon, Larry (Brenda) Wirkus of Edgar and Gary (Carrie) Wirkus of Buffalo, Minn. He is also remembered with love by his grandchildren: Tyrrell (Lisa) Wirkus, Faryn (Casey) Bednarski, Macey (Brett) Nelson, Caitlin (Samuel) Lemmer, Gavin (Macy) Borchardt, Austin (Jayci) Borchardt, Paige (Joseph) Koch, Brianna Wirkus, Morgan (Kyle) Kurtenbach, Preston (Ashley) Wirkus and Sawyer, Zara and Croix Wirkus and his great-grandchildren: Rylan, Nash, Calvin, Josie, Baylor, Caleb, Elizabeth, Leighton, Landon, Harper and Bentley.
He was preceded on his life’s journey by his parents, Frank and Rose Wirkus; his brothers, George (in infancy), Dave, Phillip, Edward, Jerome and Melvin; and his sisters, Joanne Pettinger, Marge White, Till Reed, Bemadine Wirkus and Vanie Willichowski.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Compassus Hospice, especially Nurse Hank, for their kindness, support and exceptional care during this time.
A Mass of Christian burial was held at noon on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edgar with Rev. Alan Wierzba presiding. Burial followed in the parish cemetery. Family and friends were invited to a time of visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service. The honor of serving as pallbearers was held by his grandsons: Tyrrell Wirkus, Gavin Borchardt, Austin Borchardt, Preston Wirkus, Sawyer Wirkus and Croix Wirkus.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Lawrence’s name can be directed to: St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Edgar.
Lawrence’s arrangements are entrusted to Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. You are invited to visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share memories and offer condolences.
Paidobituary 177160
