Elizabeth "Liz" Wirgau

Reflecting on the life of Elizabeth “Liz” Wirgau, words such as creative, active, and generous come to mind. Yet the most fitting word that captures the true essence of her spirit is vibrant. Social by nature, Liz was a lover of all people. She lived her life selflessly putting others first. There wasn't anything that she wouldn’t do for a friend or family member in need. Liz found her solace in nature where she was known to explore its abundant beauty as well as actively enjoy its limitless boundaries. She leaves behind a rich legacy of living each day to the fullest and not spending a single day with regret. Taken too soon, her positive outlook and infectious smile will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Liz’s story begins in the year 1980. Rubik’s cubes, Pac-Man arcade games, and domestic camcorders and fax machines were collecting in homes across the nation. CNN became the first twenty-four-hour news station, Mount St. Helens erupted, and Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back opened in theaters. During a significant recession in US history, Matthew B. and Ruth A. Krawczak welcomed home their newborn baby girl, Elizabeth, on December 23rd, in Metz, Michigan. Her birth brought much happiness and joy to her loving family home.

Growing up mainly in the Maple Ridge area of Alpena, Liz spent most of her childhood surrounded by books. She absolutely loved to read, to be read to, and couldn’t wait to return books to the local library so she could fall in love with more! Born with a creative and artsy eye, she loved to make interesting crafts with her sister, Jackie. She’d often collect materials to spark her creativity and was exceptional in making any ordinary object into a workable piece of art. A natural born entrepreneur she also loved to pick strawberries and sell them. Liz had a whimsical flair about her even wanting her parents to name her twin siblings, Ernie and Bert, from the popular television series, Sesame Street.

As a young teen, Liz was full of spunk! She tooled around town in her red Jeep Wrangler and sought every opportunity to share her ability to be creative. She was known for being an avid reader, a talented flute player, as well as an active participant in the annual Fourth of July sandcastle building contest where she paid attention to every detail. Liz decorated her bedroom with rich colors and even speckled her carpet with paint to match the walls! It was clear to see in these early years that Liz’s unique eye for color would lead her into a career with interior design. After graduation, she obtained an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science – Architectural Technology as well as a Bachelor’s Degree of Fine Arts in Interior Design. Securing a position with Byrne Electric as the Insight Manager, Liz was able to use her talents on all of the company’s internal projects. She was well-liked by her co-workers and respected by their clientele.

Life held many rich blessings for Liz. Not to be forgotten was one of her richest, her high school sweetheart, Christopher Wirgau. Liz’s charming smile stole his heart one memorable afternoon at the local Bike and Boot and the rest was history. The two became inseparable from then on. She and Chris were married on May 18, 2002, and had their sights set on adventure! They were planning, designing, and conceptualizing the home of their dreams. She loved to actively participate with each and every decision along the way adding her creative input as well as her attention to every detail. They also loved to take their Pink Lizzie, their mudding truck they built together, out to area mud events. Pretty much anything outdoors interested her. She loved to spend time in the woods as well as putz around a garden bed. However, her absolute favorite pastime was being around people! Nothing brought her greater joy than to spent time with her many nieces and nephews. She adored each and every one of them. Liz loved to bake with them, share ice cream with them, or take in one of her favorite movies such as the Italian Job, Benny and June, and especially, Dirty Dancing! She was such a fan of Dirty Dancing she even took her mom and her sisters to see it performed live.

Liz encouraged positivity in everyone around her. Delighted in other’s successes, she was quick to build lasting relationships with most everyone she met. She often thanked her husband, Chris for being so accepting of her and tolerating her vast array of activities, projects, and what she called her “craziness.” She put her whole heart into anything she set out to do and her winning smile could brighten the spirit of anyone who needed it. May her loved ones find comfort in her warm and endearing memories, her laughter, as well as her unconditional love. Liz’s sense of humor and joyful approach to living will be forever honored and cherished in the hearts of many.

Elizabeth “Liz” Wirgau, 37, of Kent City, formerly of Alpena, died Sunday, June 24, 2018, as the result of an automobile accident. Liz is survived by her loving husband, Chris, both her parents, Matthew Krawczak and Ruth Krawczak, her three siblings; Jaclynn Krawczak, Matthew (Kim) Krawczak, Maria (Nick) Nykerk, maternal grandmother Joanna Filipiak, nieces and nephews; Kyla, Noah, Kruger, Archer, Bennett, Claire, Scarlett, and Logan, in-laws; Sharon and Dean Wirgau, sister in law, Heather LaHaie, her two cats, Yunick and Esbie, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. She is preceded in death by her cat, Transmission (Tranny), and several other family members. Memorial visitation hours will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 12:00 p.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church with Rev. Joseph Muszkiewicz officiating. A meal will follow. A second memorial event will be held on July 7, 2018, at Holy Family Church in Sparta, MI with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the mass at 11:00 a.m. followed by a luncheon. Please visit www.mcwilliamsfh.com where online condolences can be registered. A memorial foundation is being established at this time and will be available soon.