Christian John Wirz

WIRZ, Christian John, age 83 of Maryville, died at Blount Memorial Hospital on March 6, 2007. He was born, raised and educated in Washington, DC, studying engineering at the University of MD. He proudly served in the U. S. Navy during World War II and received the following Navy Medals: American Theater, Asiatic Pacific Theater, Victory Medal, Naval Unit Commendation, Philippine Liberation, Japanese Occupation and China service. Chris worked for the International Monetary Fund for 25 years and traveled the world in their service. He retired and lived in Dunedin, FL for 12 years before moving to Maryville. He was a former member of Maryville First United Methodist Church. In 2000 he married Jean Schoff and has been an active member of New Providence Presbyterian Church and the Maryville Kiwanis Club. He was preceded in death by his son, Christian W. Wirz; stepsons, Laurence E. Geldner and John F. Geldner. Survivors include his wife, Jean Schoff Wirz; daughters-in-law, Karen Geldner of Chevy Chase, MD, Mildred Cerstvik of Frederick, MD; 5 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; nieces, Cricket Murphy of Niantic, CT and Shirley Bartee of Colonial Beach, VA; nephews, Brian Wirz of St. Augustine, FL and Bruce Wirz of Jacksonville, FL. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday at New Providence Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dr. Emily Anderson and the Rev. Dr. Philip Bembower officiating. The entombment will be in Grandview Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home and immediately following the service at the Church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite charity. McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home 982-6812 www.mccammonammonsclick.com