Nov. 11, 1925 - Jan. 21, 2013

ELKHART - Robert L. "Bob" Wirt, 87, of Elkhart, passed away at 5:45 a.m. Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, at Elkhart General Hospital.

He was born Nov. 11, 1925, in Elkhart to Leon E. and Sylvia Marie (McGill) Wirt. On Feb. 25, 1950, in Elkhart, he married Del A. Dosmann.

She survives along with four children, Michael (Terri) Wirt of Brownsburg, Michelle (Bruce) Odiorne of Tampa, Fla., Lynne Yoder of Goshen and Sandra (Dale) Pflibsen of Elkhart; 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a half brother, Fred Wirt.

Bob was a 60-year member of Elkhart Moose Lodge 599, a member of Elkhart DAV Chapter 19 and a member of Indiana Fire Fighters Association. He was an avid bowler and was the league secretary for Merit Bowling League at Country Club Lanes for many years.

He and Del enjoyed spending winters in Mission, Texas. Bob also enjoyed riding his bike, golfing and woodworking.

Bob was a firefighter with the Elkhart Fire Department from 1954 to 1974, retiring as a captain. He worked for Faries-McMeekan from 1965 to 1985 and invented the handicap mirror.

Friends may visit with the family from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013, at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home. A celebration of life service will be at 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013, at the funeral home. The Elkhart Fire Department will post honor guards for the visitation and service. Pastor Bob Vale of Osceola United Methodist will officiate. Cremation will take place with burial at a later date in Rice Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Indiana Fire Fighters Association, Moose Haven or Moose Heart.

Debra Merrill Holecz , South bend , IN So sorry for your loss of your Dad & husband lots of memory's growing up next door know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

douglas schenher, springboro, OH SO sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was my God Father. I have not seen him for many years but I hold special memories of him. My earliest memory was when I was 4 and he came to my rescue, Dad called him when I had fallen of the front porch and Fireman Bob came to check me out and make sure I was OK. He was also our guest bartender for the reception after Vicki and I were married. I will always remember him as a man of strong character and very kind to us kids. He will be missed and will always hold on to my great memories of him. Sorry I will not there to pay my respects in person.

Kathy Settles, Clayton, IN Lynne, Nick, David, Anthony and Timmy You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you peace and comfort as you get through the days and weeks ahead. Boys take care of your Momma. Love you all The Settles Richard, Kathy, Shelby and Jarrett

Janice Schenher-Bryson, Elkhart, IN Everyone. Condolensces from all the Schenher kids. We have so many wonderful memories. From bowling, to card parties at both our houses, to fish frys at the Fire Station top the list. Bob was a very special, loving, funny, kind man. He is now on the next journey of his life. Memories are the solice for one's passing. Please may you find peace in those memories. Love from Bill, Jan, Doug, Diane and Susie and our families. God Bless.

Ron and Cindy Birr, Point Pleasant, WV Del and Family, We are so sorry to hear about Bob. He will be missed by many! We will keep you and family in our prayers.

Susan (Klinger) Wirt, Goshen, IN With sorry to learn of Coach Bob's passing - may you have peace and comfort knowing that he was loved by many.

Cheri and Jim Chandler, Apache Junction, AZ I am sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was a great man/father and we have many memories of your family over the years. God bless you all at this sorrowful time.

Vicky Milloy-Holdeman, Bloomington, IN I remember Bob and Del both from their years of coaching Bantum Bowling at Parkmore Lanes. There are some people in your life that you don't forget and I have fond memories of both of them. He was a wonderful person.

Timothy Balyeat, Elkhart, IN Lynn/ Family you and your family are in my thoguhts and prayers. You have my deepest sympathy on your dad's passing.

Michele Lucchese, Vandalia, MI Dear Lynn and family - I was so sorry to see of your dad's passing - you have my deepest sympathy.