Funeral services for Jack Albert Wirth, Age 97 of Willow Springs, Missouri will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, at CrossWay Fellowship Church, Willow Springs, Missouri, with Pastors Dennis Walton, Jeff Conger, and David Lovan officiating, under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Willow Springs. Visitation will be held prior to the service at 6:00 p.m., also at the church. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Hamlet Cemetery, Hamlet, Illinois, with Harry Losey officiating, under the direction of Speer Funeral Home, Aledo, Illinois. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
Jack spent his early years in Barrington, Illinois, and graduated from high school in 1946. Shortly after, he joined the United States Navy, proudly serving his country for five years, with an additional year during the Korean War. During his service, Jack flew blimps, and was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Base, Illinois; Lakehurst, New Jersey; Norfolk, Virginia; Weeksville, North Carolina; and received radio training in Corpus Christi, Texas, Richmond, Fl 18 miles south of Miami where he flew south over Cuba. He was honorably discharged as a Radio/Radar Electronics Second Class—an experience that reflected his deep sense of duty and love of learning.
After his military service, Jack began his college education at the University of Dubuque in 1951, where he met the love of his life, Cynthia Ruth Close. The two married on July 19, 1952, in Hamlet, Illinois. Jack then transferred to Colorado A&M (now Colorado State University), where he graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science in Entomology.
Jack and Ruth made their first home together in Galena, Illinois, where they purchased an old brewery just down the street from Ulysses S. Grant’s home. There, Jack raised bees and taught sixth grade—a perfect combination for a man who loved both nature and nurturing young minds.
In 1958, the couple moved to the suburbs of Chicago, where Jack worked in concrete quality control, driving 60,000 in Chicago traffic every 18 months. Applying his analytical skills and dedication to precision in his work.
In 1968, Jack and his family moved west again, to Glade Park, Colorado, where they built a home and became deeply involved in their community. Jack was instrumental in founding the Glade Park Fire Department and organizing the beloved Friday Night Movies, a long-standing local tradition that brought neighbors together for generations. He continued his passion for education by teaching at Fruita Elementary School for 20 years, during which he earned his master’s degree from Adams State College.
In 1989, Jack and Ruth took early retirement but quickly found new adventures on the Navajo Reservation. He accepted a teaching position in Tsaile, Arizona, and the following year began teaching at Jeddito School as a computer teacher. There, he shared his knowledge and enthusiasm for technology with over 1,500 students each week, managing an impressive 57 computers—a remarkable feat at the time.
After retiring in 1992, Jack and Ruth spent half of each year in North Palm Beach, Florida, where Jack enjoyed fishing, swimming, and playing cards. Ever the people person, he also served as a greeter at the local church, welcoming everyone with his signature warmth and humor.
In his later years, Jack remained active and community-minded. He participated in Silver Sneakers, tended his garden, attended Westside Family Life Center and Crossway Fellowship churches, and enjoyed baking bread and sharing flowers from his garden. He also volunteered at MUNCH, offering his time and kindness wherever it was needed. Above all, he was a devoted husband and primary caregiver to his beloved Ruth, caring for her with deep love and patience until her passing.
Together, Jack and Ruth shared 70 wonderful years of marriage. He now joins his beloved bride just down the road for his well-earned rest. From their union came two sons, Dirk Eugene and Eric Andrew, who were the pride and joy of their lives.
Jack is survived by his son, Dirk; 7 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great-grandchildren who will carry forward his legacy of kindness, humor, and service. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruthie, and his son, Eric.
Jack lived a life filled with service, laughter, and love. Known for his endless supply of jokes, riddles, and endless knowledge. He had a gift for bringing smiles to everyone around him. He was an amazing neighbor—always willing to lend a hand and help anyone in need. To his family, he was simply the best dad and grandpa anyone could ask for.
His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the joy of knowing him.
