Freeport – Marilyn J. Wirtjes, 93 of Freeport passed away peacefully at Ascension St. Joseph Village of Freeport on November 13, 2023.  Born on June 29, 1930 in Cedarville, IL to the late Glen and Gladys (Chapin) Gift, she was one of 10 children.

After school was finished she held many jobs in a hard – working life, including a long tenure at Morton Salt as well as two decades at Freeport Memorial Hospital.

She loved to laugh, watching the cardinals at her many bird feeders as she enjoyed her morning coffee and her beloved Chicago Bears.  She enjoyed her friends immensely, most of all Nina Morning, looked forward to any travels and religiously planned her lunches with some of her brothers and sisters that often stretched to dinner.

She loved her family with fervor and is survived by sons Dave and Jeff as well as step-son, Gary, eight grandchildren (Lisa Pearson, Tom McKinley, Elizabeth McKinley, John Grinnell, Ben Legwod, Kate Legwold, Erin Legwold and Ryan Legwold) as well as 11 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

Preceding her in death are her husbands, Conrad Legwold and Don Wirtjes as well as an infant daughter, Debbie Grinnell.

Cremation rites have been accorded as she wished.

Her family offers its heartfelt thanks to all of those at Ascension Living St. Joseph's for her care as well as St. Croix Hospice in her final days.  If desired, the family would appreciate contributions to Alzheimer's Foundation of America.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com.