Richard Wirt, 93, Owatonna

Richard A. “Dick” Wirt, 93, of Owatonna, passed away on Dec. 19, 2025, at Birchwood Cottages.

He was born on Dec. 1, 1932, in Verdi Township near Lake Benton, Minn., to parents Ross and Helen (Watson) Wirt.

Dick graduated from Tyler High School in 1950. He served in the United States Army as a corporal and bulldozer operator assigned to Company C of the 4th Armored Division’s 24th Engineer Battalion at Fort Hood, Texas, from 1953-1955. He was a member of the American Legion Post 77.

Dick was employed by Interstate Power Company as a lineman and service representative for 34 years.

After retirement, he loved spending more time with his family, he worked part-time at McKinley Elementary School, Owatonna Junior High School, shuttled cars for auction, and detailed cars.

He enjoyed woodworking, hunting with his boys, and lending a hand to friends and neighbors. Dick was an avid fan of the Twins (always wore a Twins cap), the Vikings, and enjoyed watching the horse races on TV. He had a passion for old Ford farm tractors and spent many hours refurbishing and showing his 1954 Ford model NAA tractor at the Steele County Fair.

Dick is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 63 years, Mary (Bremer); five children: Michael (Robyn), Matthew (Patti), Monica (Kevin) Raney, Marie (John) Henderson, and Marty (Katie); eight grandchildren: Steven Johnson, Jake (Sami) Raney, McCall (Cory) Lownsbury, Carter Henry, Taylor Wirt, Michaela (Marc) Kruger, Cody (Sandy) Wirt, and Ross Wirt; nine great-grandchildren: Madison, Mya, and Mason Raney, Daxton and Dreyson Amundson, Dawson Kopel, Braxton and Leo Wirt, and McCoy Kruger. Dick is also survived by his sister Marjorie (John) Bryan, many nieces, nephews and in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife and Michael’s mother, Colleen (Frank); brothers Donald, Daryl, and Curtis; sisters-in-law Irma, Donna and Lilian; sister Nathelle and brother-in-law Larry Petersen; nephews Bryon and Thomas Petersen, Gene Wirt, James Wirt; niece Richel Bryan; grandson Tyler Henry; and several in-laws.

Visitation will be held at 9 a.m. and funeral service at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 512 S. Elm Ave., Owatonna. Lunch will follow the service and inurnment with military honors by the Steele County Funeral Unit will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Owatonna.

Special thanks to the caregivers at Birchwood Cottages and Ecumen Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com.