- Dallas Wirtz
Funeral services for Dallas Wirtz were held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, March 3. Father Patrick
Zabrocki celebrated the Funeral Liturgy at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Plentywood; interment, with
military honors, was in Outlook Cemetery. Casketbearers were Gene Rippley, David Andersen,
Lane Burgess, Dean Clawson, Ben Wirtz and Dusty Wirtz; ushers were Kelly Hagan and Josh
Trupe. All of Dallas' many friends were regarded as Honorary Bearers.
The loving son of Bill and Joanne Wirtz of Outlook Montana was suddenly taken to his new
promised home on February 26, 2010 as the result of a tragic motor vehicle accident. Born March
14, 1974 in Plentywood, Montana it was the first day of an energetic ride in the short, almost 36
years of his life.
As a child growing up in Outlook he was the apple of everyone’s eye. His big smile and loving
attitude was quite an addition to the family and community. At an early age he would tootle down the
alley across the street to Gene’s house. Hours were spent in the sand box with the Tonka’s, maybe
that was the beginning of his diesel mechanic career. It was also the beginning of a bond that will
last forever. With an early love for the great outdoors, it was hard to keep him inside; and with his
vivid imagination each day was a new adventure.
The school years in Outlook were filled with an abundance of activities and learning. He was active in Cub Scouts, little league baseball,
Redstone 4 Star 4H Club, and played basketball starting at jamboree level, and all through high school. He was active in band, chorus,
a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council President. Having a strong mind and opinions he ran for a trustee
appointment on the Outlook School Board when he was a senior. After school hours many business adventures were created including
the bike shop and the countless hours spent building the infamous bucking barrel. This led to two years of riding bulls and bareback in
the Montana Youth Rodeo Association.
After graduation in 1993, Dallas enlisted in the United States Air Force going to San Antonio Texas for basic training. He then served a 2-
year tour in England at RAF Mildenhall. While there he enjoyed trips and fun times with his military friends Phil Mayfield, Tim Davis and
others.
Following England, his home base was Travis AFB in Vacaville, California. The next 2 years he spent flying around the world, including a
4-month tour of duty in Bosnia-Herzegovina for Operation Joint Endeavor in 1996. While there he was fortunate enough to spend time in
Budapest, Hungary. In 1997 he was stationed at RAAF Base Amberly, Queensland, Australia for Operation Tandem Thrust. He also
spent time in Samoa, Italy, Germany, Kosovo, Canada and many bases in the U.S. In November of 1997 Dallas was honorably
discharged from the US Air Force having obtained the AF Achievement Medal, AF Training Ribbon, AF Overseas Long Tour Ribbon,
National Defense Service Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award with 1 device, AF Good Conduct Medal, and the AF Longevity Service Award.
He would tell his friends he met around the world of his love of family, community and the values he took from his home town. It was
important to be near family and friends in Outlook, even while stationed overseas. His tradition of returning to Outlook every year for the
St. Patrick’s Day smear tournament at the Hub Bar and the “Big” hunting season each fall allowed him to keep ties with his friends and
family back home.
After his service he made his home with Julie in Bozeman. While there he continued his love of planes and went to work for Sunbird
Aviation and Elsinore in Belgrade, Montana. Soon he began a new career as a Bail Enforcement Agent hunting down bail jumpers with
more than shady pasts. In July of 1999 they moved to Anchorage Alaska, where he then served a year for the Alaska Air National Guard.
He worked for Signature Flight support and Freightliner of Alaska as a mechanic while getting a degree from the University of Alaska
Anchorage in diesel mechanics in 2002. A family illness in 2002 brought him back to Billings. He enjoyed being back in the great
outdoors of Montana doing what he liked best—no matter what the season, the hunting and fishing was on. While in Billings he was
employed by Interstate Power Systems until January 2006.
He finally got home to Sheridan County and went to work for Farm Equipment Services in Plentywood. He had a short love life with his
Harley Davidson Road King but thought he should grow up, and sold it to help finance his home in Outlook the fall of 2007. Having
traveled around the world living out of duffle bags and boxes, he was so relieved to finally unpack and have a home of his own. Old
friendships rekindled and new ones were formed and everyone saw the true Dallas, the fun-loving, big hearted loveable man.
Being the community man he was brought him a spot on the Outlook Rural Fire Department and most recently a councilman on the
Outlook City Council. Dena entered his life the summer of 2009, bringing him to a new level of contentment and joy. His family gave him
a measure of pride and fulfillment and he was looking forward to his future.
He will be remembered by all whose hearts he touched. “Dallas—you are our Rock, the man we wanted you to be. Now we will just have
the wonderful memories you gave us as you continue your journey as ‘The Chosen One.’ We love you and miss you.” Dad, Mom, Tanya,
Sierra and Dena
Survivors include his parents Bill and Joanne Wirtz, sister Tanya McGill and niece Sierra, and special love Dena Rice, as well as his
paternal grandmother Peggy J.Wirtz, and paternal aunts and uncles Bonnie & Glen Adams (Shawn, April), Robert Wirtz (Robert Jr.),
Larae & John Richeson (Gwen, Jason),Tim & Peggy E.Wirtz (Lacey, Megan), Joe & Rhonda Wirtz (Nichole, Dusty, Ben), Tammy &
Michael Burgess (Tiffany, Britt, Lane), Cheryl & Rocky Trupe (Josh, Chris) and their extended families and maternal uncles and aunts
Valerie & Dale Theis (Raegan, Dylan, Jordan, Kristin), Brent & Paula Noble (Kyla, Justin) and their extended families. Also surviving are
numerous other aunts and uncles, cousins, co-workers, and many special friends.
Dallas was preceded in death by his paternal Grandfather Todd Wirtz and Great Grandparents Joseph & Cecelia Wirtz, and Alvin &
Margaret Iverson and by his maternal Grandparents Duane & Phyllis Noble, and Great Grandparents Joseph & Viola Callan, and William
& Helen Noble.
Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood has charge of arrangements.
| 1974 - 2010 |
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Remembering Dallas
