Staff Reportnews@thewoodstockindepenent.comHigh winds and dry conditions Thursday afternoon caused a controlled prairie burn to spread out of control …
March 14, 2025
Michael W. Wurtz, 47, Woodstock, died Friday, Feb. 7, 2014, at JourneyCare Hospice in Woodstock.
He was born April 22, 1966, to William N. and Ilyce (Tilden) Wurtz in Des Plaines.
On Sept. 8, 2012, he married Melissa M. Suriano at Fire Station #3 in Woodstock.
He started with the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District in January 2002. He became a full-time firefighter July 17, 2006, under Badge Number 22, and was attached to Station #2. He also was a police officer with the McCullom Lake Police Department. He served as a MABAS Division 5 Fire Investigator, was part of the Lake/McHenry County Wildland Firefighting Team and was a member of the AFFI State Honor Guard. His other achievements include being a member of the International Association of Firefighters Local 4813 as well as the Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 17. When off duty, he enjoyed being with his family and was an avid hunter and outdoorsman.
Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Katelyn Wurtz, Meghan Wurtz and Reilly Wurtz; two stepchildren, Anna Kempka and Johnny Kempka; a brother, Brian Wurtz; three sisters, Debbie Murphy, Brenda Smart and Laura Wurtz; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Visitation was held Feb. 11 at the Woodstock Assembly of God Church. Interment services were private. Arrangements were made by Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home.
