March 28, 1926 — Feb. 5, 2018
Richard Bernhard Wirkkala, 91, of Longview died Feb. 5, 2018, at the Hospice Care Center.
He was born March 28, 1926, in Deep River, Wash., to Henry and Martha (Juselius) Wirkkala. He was one of 11 children and the last remaining. He attended school in Deep River before joining the Army in 1944. During World War II he was stationed in the South Pacific. After the war he spent three years in the Army Reserves.
On Sept. 25, 1953, he married Putt in Kelso. She preceded him in death in 2006. He lived in Wahkiakum County until 2004 when he and Putt moved to Longview. He was a log Truck Driver for most of his working life. Richard worked for Durrah-Martin and Ray Burton Logging before he retired in 1983. Richard enjoyed fishing, hunting and clam digging but especially loved being a Grandpa. He and Putt were members of the Skamokawa Volunteer Fire Department with over 50 years of combined service.
Richard is survived by two daughters, Connie Fauver (Harland) and Judy Wirkkala; two sons, Rick Wirkkala (Sandy) and Bruce Wirkkala (Dee); nine grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
In addition to Putt, Richard was preceded in death by 10 siblings, Willard, Leslie, Melvin, Arnold, Lester, Signe Ellsworth, Lillian Zeller, Elna Browning, Lorraine Lawrence and Aune Magnuson.
A celebration of Richard’s life is planned for 1 p.m. Saturday, March 24 at Steele Chapel in Longview.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Home Health and Hospice, P.O. Box 2067, Longview, WA 98632, or the Skamokawa Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 145, Skamokawa, WA 98647.
Dowling Funeral Home of Cathlamet is in charge of final arrangements.