Douglas “Doug” Lyle Wirth, age 77, of Ridgeland, WI, went to be with his Savior on Saturday, December 14, 2024, after suffering a brain aneurysm.

Douglas was born September 15, 1947, to Lyle and Arlene (Lundequam) Wirth in Ridgeland, WI, where he grew up on a farm with his five siblings: Susan (Wirth) Burton, Julie (Wirth) Sanders, Kim Wirth (d. May 25, 2022), James Wirth and Bradley Wirth. Doug served in the U.S. Army from 1967-69 and was deployed to Vietnam in 1968 as part of the 9th Infantry Division in the 43rd Scout Dog Platoon. He served as a dog handler and his job was to take a squad of 8 to 10 Soldiers to ambush sites safely, securing their perimeter with his dog and best friend, a German Shephard named, Alex. They kept the group from tripping booby traps and ensured that the bases and bridges were secure. Doug earned the rank of Sergeant and was eventually awarded the Combat Infantry Badge in October of 1968 and a Purple Heart in April of 1969. He was also honored on the Freedom Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in 2021. Doug earned his college degree in Drafting & Engineering and moved to La Crosse, WI, where he worked at Trane Company for over 30 years. After retiring, he moved back to Ridgeland, WI, and built a beautiful log cabin home on the family land.

He loved the outdoors, riding his Harley (especially to Sturgis), hunting with his sons, fishing and camping. Those who knew Doug knew that he was one of the strongest and toughest men you could meet. He survived the Vietnam War, two strokes, motorcycle crashes and a few times falling or jumping from his deer stands high up in his trees. Most importantly, Doug was a Believer in Christ and attended Bible study and church on a regular basis. Though our hearts are incredibly broken, it is knowing that we will see him again in Heaven that brings some joy and peace in anticipation of this promise.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, first-born daughter: Amy and granddaughter: Kendall, who passed away at birth. He is survived by his three children: Christopher Wirth (Lynnette), Ryan Wirth (Jennifer) and Melissa Johnson (Craig), four grandchildren: Connor Wirth, Elise Wirth, Liam Johnson and Nora Johnson. His grandchildren held a very special place in his heart from the yearly Easter egg hunts he hosted to Christmases together, watching Nora’s sporting events with Liam and the family, family lunches that followed, putting up the tree swing, sliding down the steep slide into the creek and walking and riding the trails looking for sheds with Connor, Elise and Ryan.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 11 at New Hope Lutheran Church-Pine Creek in the Town of Wilson, rural Ridgeland, with Rev. Michael Sparby officiating and interment following at the Greenwood Cemetery in the Town of Dallas. Friends may call for the hour prior to services at the church. Arrangements are with Rausch-Lundeen Funeral Homes, Dallas & Cameron.

Last Update: Dec 30, 2024 1:24 pm CST