WIRZBA, Margaret

MARGARET WIRZBA 1929 – 2024 Margaret Wirzba (nee Strecker), known as Gretchen to many, beloved wife of the late Emil Wirzba passed away peacefully in Lethbridge on May 14, 2024, at the age of 95.
Margaret was born on February 27, 1929, to Philip and Elisabeth Strecker in Beschanja of the former Yugoslavia. Margaret was the second of five children, the only daughter. In 1944 Margaret’s family was forced to flee to Germany. They eventually ended up in Braunschweig, where they lived as refugees. In 1951 she, as well as her parents and two brothers, immigrated to Canada. They worked in the sugar beet fields near Iron Springs for two years, before moving to Lethbridge.
On August 28, 1954, she married Emil Wirzba. They lived together in Lethbridge for 62 years until Emil passed away in 2017. They raised a family of five children.
Family and church were very important to Gretchen and Emil. They loved hosting family and friends. Gretchen was a wonderful cook and baker. Her German “Torten” are legendary. Food was the focal point of any visit. And her desserts always got the best reviews.
Her faith in God was strong. She was very involved in the life of the Bethany Baptist Church, singing in the choir, helping with the ladies’ group, and of course helping with the many potluck meals with her great signature dishes.
Mom also loved gardening. She grew a vegetable patch and lots and lots of beautiful flowers.
After Emil passed away, mom moved to Cottage 1 at the Good Samaritans’ Park Meadows Village. We are so grateful to the staff who made this a good home for Margaret for the past 7 years. She passed away peacefully at Cottage 1 on May 14, 2024.
Margaret was predeceased by her loving husband Emil; parents; two of her brothers and their spouses (Philip and Elizabeth, Jakob and Irma), and her brother Karl.
Margaret is survived by her brother Sam (Benita), her five children Dan (Sharon), Bernie (Cecilia), Carl (Hélene), Marvin (Tanell), and Lorraine, six grandchildren Steve (Jessica), Johannah (Emily) Grace, Kevin (Heidi), Zachary, and Andrew, two great grandchildren Ivy and Lucy, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 11:00am and 11:45am on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS WATERTON SUITE, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Graveside Service will be held at 12:00pm, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY, 1210 – Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Memorial Service will follow at 1:00pm, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Margaret-Wirzba
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.