Erwin Wirkus

Beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather Erwin Emil Wirkus, 93, died peacefully on Monday, February 8, 2016, in Lincoln Court Retirement Community in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Born October 21, 1922, in Schneidemühl, Germany, Erwin was the son of Emil Otto August Wirkus and Martha Auguste Jahnke Wirkus. At age 5, he immigrated with his family to America, settling in Idaho Falls. After graduation from Idaho Falls High School, Erwin attended Brigham Young University and served in the Northern States Mission (1942-44) where he met his future wife, Marie Egbert, of Lincoln, Idaho. They were married on March 30, 1945, in the Salt Lake Temple.

Erwin was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II and served in the Philippines and Korea as a medic and clerk. After returning home, he attended Utah State Agricultural College, graduating in 1949. He taught school and was principal for one year at Ucon Elementary School, Ucon, Idaho.

The following year, he accepted an offer to teach seminary, and began a career that lasted until his retirement in 1984. He taught mostly at Idaho Falls and Bonneville high schools and was a seminary principal for many years. Erwin was a gifted teacher, well remembered for his sense of humor and ability to spiritually lift and inspire the hundreds of students who sought out his classes.

Erwin served in many leadership positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints including bishop, stake president, president of the Vienna Austria and Des Moines Iowa missions, counselor in the Idaho Boise Mission, member of the Idaho Falls Temple presidency and patriarch.

He became a popular and well known speaker. Not many weeks passed by where he was not invited to speak at one or more Church gatherings. From his research and inspirational talks on Emma Smith, wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Erwin authored the book, Judge Me Dear Reader, which sold thousands of copies and was instrumental in turning many hearts toward this woman who had often been looked upon with disfavor. Erwin loved Church history and conducted Church history tours for several years. He had a great love for Nauvoo, Illinois, and, in his words, used every excuse he could think of to go there.

Erwin had an amazing ability to win the hearts of others, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was greatly loved by family members and by the many friends he made over the years.

Erwin was preceded in death by his wife, Marie, and siblings, Erna, Jared and Harry. He is survived by his brother, Dick, Idaho Falls; and by four daughters, Maryan (Dean) Jenkins, Sacramento, California; Susan (Ross) Clement, South Jordan, Utah; Annette (Neal) Scott, Idaho Falls; Marta (John) Ahlstrom, South Jordan, Utah; and two sons: Karl (Kerry), Boise, and Paul (Janice), Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Also surviving are 24 grandchildren and 59 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 13, 2016, at the Sand Creek 2nd Ward Building, 2545 Mesa. The family will visit with friends Friday from 6:30-8 p.m. at Wood East Side, 963 S. Ammon, and Saturday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Lincoln Cemetery.

Funeral Services will be held

11 a.m. ,Saturday, February 13, 2016 Sand Creek 2nd Ward 2545 Mesa Street Idaho Falls, ID, Bonneville 83401 Notes: The Family will visit with friends Friday from 6:30-8 p.m. at Wood East Side, 963 S. Ammon, and Saturday 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church. Burial in Lincoln Cemetery.