Emil Wirzba

1928 ~ 2017

It is with great sadness that the family of Emil Wirzba announces his passing on February 1, 2017 in Lethbridge, Alberta at the age of 88 years. Emil was born on August 28, 1928 in Martinshoehe, East Prussia to August and Olga Wirzba.

Emil immigrated to Canada in 1951 with his parents and four brothers. His older sister joined them in 1952. Like many immigrants of the time, the family worked in sugar beet fields east of Coaldale for two years.

On August 28, 1954 he married Margaret Strecker. Together they lived their 62 years in Lethbridge. Emil is survived by his loving wife, Margaret, and their 5 children: Dan (Sharon), Bernie, Carl (Helene), Marvin (Tanell), and Lorraine, and 6 grandchildren, Stephen (Jessica), Johannah and Grace, Kevin and Zachary, and Andrew.

Emil worked at Horton Steel from 1954 until 1971 when the Lethbridge plant was shut down. Then, together with his brothers Alex and Eric, they formed Wirzba Brothers Construction and built custom-built homes in Lethbridge and the surrounding area for almost 30 years.

Church and his faith in God were very important to Emil. He was baptized in 1943. He was a founding member of Bethany Baptist Church in 1952 and was active until the church closed in 2000. He and Margaret then joined First Baptist Church in Lethbridge.

In his retirement, Emil enjoyed taking care of the house and yard. Emil cared deeply about his family. He always asked about his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and took an interest in their lives. We all knew he prayed for us each day.

Opa passed away peacefully at the Lethbridge Hospital after a short illness on February 1, 2017.

A Viewing will be held at 11:00am-11:45am at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th St. S., Lethbridge AB. A Graveside Service will be held at 12:00pm at Mountain View Cemetery. The Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 1614 5 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial donations to the Canadian Baptist Ministries, www.cbmin.org