Howard Henry Wirt

01/20/1932

05/05/2021

Howard Wirt of Ada, Michigan, age 89, passed peacefully on May 5, 2021 after a brief battle with cancer.


Howard was born in LeRoy, Illinois and graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University.  He served honorably in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.  Upon graduation, he built a successful career in the appliance industry, retiring as Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Electrolux.

Howard married the love of his life, Nona (Craycraft) Wirt in 1963. Together, they lived a full and joyous life complete with three beautiful daughters, which he was so proud of. He and Nona traveled often through the United States and Europe on family vacations. They enjoyed playing cards with family, golfing, and watching youth sports with their grandchildren and later visiting with great-grandchildren.

In retirement, Howard was a devoted volunteer with Frederik Meijer Gardens.  He was a long-time member of Golden K Kiwanis, where he made many lasting friendships.  He was a Christmas-time Bell Ringer for the Salvation Army and worked with Feeding America.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Nona (Craycraft) Wirt (1933-2006).  He is survived by his loving daughters; Julie (Wirt) Hofheinz, Scott Hofheinz, Minette (Wirt) Buchas, Ed Buchas and Amy (Wirt) Walsh, Bill Walsh.  He is survived by his eight grandchildren: Allison (Hogan) Muer, Tim Muer, Patrick Hogan, Michael Hogan, John Buchas, Kate Buchas, Hannah Walsh, Cole Walsh and Abbey Walsh. Also, three beautiful great-grandchildren, Mary Muer, Luke Muer and Mackenzie Muer.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Emmanuel Hospice. https://emmanuelhospice.org/donate/

Funeral arrangements are pending.

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7 Responses

  1. What a full and rich life he lived.. Best wishes to Howard’s extended family. My prayers are with you all and with Howard and Nona who are reunited.

  2. Howie was a wonderful man, who I had the absolute privilege to meet! He will surely be missed! Thinking of Julie and family!!

  3. Condolences to you all. One of the nicest guys ever. Sorry to hear this news.

  4. Howie was one of the nicest, kindest, sweetest people I have ever met.

    I have two favorite memories of him, and both are family-related.

    My first memory of both Howie and Nona was at Bill and Amy’s wedding. I was their chauffeur the night of the wedding. Not being from San Francisco, I wasn’t the best to drive them back to their hotel. Howie never complained and made it seem like we planned on a lovely drive around the city.

    The other fond memory I have of him was watching him play with my nieces and nephew, his grandchildren. He would have been in his 70’s then and yet, there he was on the floor spending time with the kids. Always the family man!

    I am grateful that I had the chance to meet Howie and Nona. I am happy that they are together again.

    You will be missed, Howie!

  5. God bless you, Howie. You were a special man . Now you are reunited with the love of your life. May both of you enjoy each other until the end of time. Prayers go out to the remainder of your family. God bless all of you.

  6. Our sympathy to Julie and family. Homie was a delightful neighbor. Glad we had time to enjoy him.

  7. Sending sympathy to Julie and family. We will miss Howie. Enjoyed having him as a neighbor.

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