Kathryn Louise Wirtel

Kathryn Louise Erickson Wirtel: July 15, 1921—July 5, 2016 Kitty Lou was a quietly charismatic lady about whom a negative word was never uttered; nor did she ever disparage another human being. She was born on July 15th, 1921 in Portland, Oregon and was adopted by Louis Erickson, a Swedish immigrant/Northwestern Life Insurance Executive and his wife, Kathryn Louise Law. The Ericksons had four boys, so Kitty was their special daughter, and how special she was. In St. Paul Minnesota, she developed an immaculate set of Midwestern manners, an insatiable curiosity and a sense of generosity and giving that defined the rest of her life. Equestrian, pilot, one of the City of Ft. Lauderdale’s 1st female lifeguards, model, head turning executive secretary for Saks 5th Ave., business owner, athlete, gourmet quality cook , exquisite baker, and neighborhood chauffer were some of the parts she played during life. However, her most important roles were those of wife, mother and friend. She was married to the late Joseph F. Wirtel for what one could call a romantic journey that lasted 49 years. Their devotion to each other was the stuff of story books. Kathryn had four beloved children: Kathryn Hopkins 1946-, George R. (Ring) Guy 1947-1978, Joseph P. Wirtel 1960- and Michael Robert “Meese” Wirtel 1962-1993. Though pre-deceased by two young sons and her husband, she was able, somehow, to find sunshine every day of her life. In doing so, she taught us how to grieve: how to walk that fine line between honoring the past while living in the moment. She was a devoted friend who was a master “old school” letter writer and an infinitely patient phone conversationalist. In short, Kathryn Wirtel had that rare “feel good factor” gift that you will not find very often these days. If you feel at all inclined to pay tribute to the life of Kitty Lou Wirtel, please donate a few dimes to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation 110 East 42nd St. 16th Floor, NY, NY 100017. Mother: someday we’ll be together. On line condolences can be shared at edkalis.com. Arrangements entrusted to Edwards Cremation & Funeral Services, Wilton Manors.