Joseph John Wirfs, age 71, of Mt. Airy, passed away on Monday, September 25, 2023 at the Martinsburg VA Medical Center after a 16 year battle with cancer.
Born April 26, 1952 in Richland, WA, he was the son of the late Lawrence F. and Mary Rossetti Wirfs. He was the husband of Cynthia Ann Wirfs, his wife of 37 years.
He enlisted in the US Army towards the end of the Vietnam War and served active duty for 21 years in Korea, Germany, Hawaii and several other states. He was deployed during Desert Storm and led 700 soldiers as a Sgt. First Class and pac leader for the "Dragons", 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery. He was known as "Pappy Wirfs" to his soldiers.
Mr. Wirfs received his Bachelor's Degree from the University of MD (overseas) and his MBA from Frostburg State University. Following his retirement from active duty, he was employed with the Federal Government, Department of Labor for over 10 years.
He was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church, Libertytown, where he was active with the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed spending time with his family, crafting, hunting, fishing and embodying the lifestyle of a "mountain man." However, his greatest joy came from spending time with his grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Dawn Nordstrom, Charles Graffam, James Graffam, Kimberly McClung, Robert Graffam, Donald Wirfs, Daniel Wirfs, Joshua Wirfs and Brianna Wirfs and their spouses; 22 grandchildren; one great-grandchild (with one expected any day and another in March); and siblings, Mary Eustice, William Wirfs, Cathy Lowery, Thomas Wirfs, Judy Roche and David Wirfs.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Mi Cha Kim, and his grandson, Adam.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hartzler Funeral Home-Libertytown, 11802 Liberty Rd., Frederick, where a Christian wake service will be held at 6:30 p.m.
A Mass of Catholic burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 2 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church of Libertytown, which is located one block north of the intersection of Rts. 26 and 75. Military interment will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery. |