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David ‘Soapy’ Wirgau Obituary – 11/30/2014


David “Soapy” Wirgau, age 67, of Watkins, passed away Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, at St. Cloud Hospital.

He was born May 7, 1947, to Martin and LaVina (Richards) Wirgau in Roger City, MI.

David served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War, from 1968 to 1970.

Following his service, he worked at Advanced Machine Co. in Plymouth from 1973 to 2006, and was a union steward for many years at Advanced Machine Co.

After his retirement, David lived at his cabin near Watkins. There, he was affectionately known as “Neighbor Dave.”

He was a member of the Rockford Fire Department for 12 years.

David enjoyed outdoor life, dancing, and riding his Harley Davidson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Peter and Dennis Wirgau; and sister Virgilene Wirgau.

David is survived by his daughters, Wanda (Bradley) Keesling, and Wendy (Kyle) Loraff; grandchildren Kate Keesling, Bradey Keesling, Kylie Loraff, and Madeline Keesling; brothers Oscar (Betty) Wirgau, Ronald (Karen) Bredow, Norman Bredow, Irvin (Robin) Bredow, Jeffrey (Carolyn) Bredow, and Gregory (Roxane) Bredow; and a sister, Carol (Charlie) Jones.

The funeral service took place Thursday, Dec. 4 at 10:30 a.m. at Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rockford. Interment was at Elmwood Cemetery in Rockford.

Visitation was Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, and continued Thursday at the church, one hour prior to the service.

Arrangements were handled by the Peterson Chapel in Buffalo; www.thepetersonchapel.com.

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