Cora "Marian" Wirtz, 87, of Grand Island, went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

A memorial service for Marian will be held Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 2103 W. Anna Street, Grand Island, NE 68803. A lunch reception will follow the funeral.

Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home in Grand Island is assisting the family.

Marian was born on October 30, 1936 in Madison County, MO to Lester and Lena (Henry) Smallen, on the family homestead, just outside of Fredericktown.

After graduating high school, Marian attended the College of Commerce Business School in Springfield, MO. She then moved to St. Louis to work for Carter Carburetor. While in St. Louis, she met Don Wirtz. The couple were united in marriage on September 7, 1957. In 1968, the family moved to Grand Island, Nebraska which they would call home for the next five and half decades.

Marian was passionate about her faith and was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Grand Island. She served as a Deacon, an Elder and participated in the Church's sewing mission. She loved literature, crafts and traveling. The Christmas Season was her favorite time of year and she worked diligently to make it special for her family. Her Christmas tree was a sight to behold with her handcrafted ornaments.

She is survived by her sons, Keith Wirtz, Bryan (Martha) Wirtz, Steve (Kristi) Wirtz, grandchildren, Brandon Wirtz, Nathan Wirtz, Justin (Long) Wirtz, Mackenzie Wirtz, Ashley (Taylor) Klempel, Jenna Wirtz and great grandchildren Iliana, Zain, Mason, Knox, Nellie, Kolby, Orion, Eridan, and one sister Janet McFerron.

Marian was preceded in death by her husband Don Wirtz, parents Lester and Lena Smallen, brother Walter Smallen, and great granddaughter Sydney Jean Wirtz.

Condolences to the family and memory tributes may be signed at www.livson.com.