Obituary

William

William "Bill" W. Wirges, 84

March 28, 1935 to July 23, 2019

3-28-1935 - 7-23-2019

William “Bill” W. Wirges, 84, of Princeton died at 11:35 p.m. Tuesday, July 23, 2019, at Perry Memorial Hospital in Princeton with his wife, Donna, by his side.

Bill was born March 28, 1935, in Princeton, the son of Raymond and Lona (Underwood) Wirges. He married Donna Swartzendruber on Feb. 19, 1956, at Willow Springs Mennonite Church in Tiskilwa. They shared 63 years together. She survives in Princeton.

Bill graduated from Princeton High School with the Class of 1954. He served in the National Guard for nine years. He was president of Bill Wirges Kawasaki Competition Accessories.

He was an avid lover of racing. The highlight of his career was the years he spent on the salt flats, with his family and crew, setting a land speed record.

Also surviving are one son, Brad (Gail) Wirges of Munford, Tenn.; four grandsons; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Richard; and one sister, Mary.

Private graveside service will be held with Brian Wirges, his grandson, officiating. Burial will be in Willow Springs Cemetery, Tiskilwa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the donor’s choice.

The Grant- Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.grant-johnsonfh.com.

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Tribute Wall

"An icon in circles of motorcycle & speed enthusiasts, his ingenuity & passion for doing what he loved was energizing. A great person. He will be missed by many."
Kani Bopes
August 4th, 2019
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"I'm so sorry to hear about bill Thinking of you God Bless"
Dorothy Sabotta
July 27th, 2019
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"My condolences to Brad and family. Sincerely, Dan Hopper"
Dan Hopper
July 27th, 2019
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"I love u Donna I’m sorry for your loss I’m thinking of you and missing you very much you can call or text me at8155039155"
Autumn
July 27th, 2019
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"Donna and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you, I am so sorry for your loss. He is probably breaking speed records in heaven already."
Gloria VanDenBerg
July 27th, 2019
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"Donna and Family, My deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one. Fond memories of you and Bill. Sue Norton"
Sue Norton
July 27th, 2019
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"Brad, so sorry for the loss of your Dad he was one of the great ones!"
Chuck OBryant
July 26th, 2019
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Funeral Homes

Princeton 30 West Mechanics ST
Princeton, IL 61356
Bradford 217 East Main ST
Bradford, IL 61421

Crematory

Princeton 880 West Peru ST
Princeton, IL 61356

CALL (815) 699-7711