Laura M. (Bliss) Wirtz, 85, a loving wife, mother and grandmother, formerly of Eldred, passed away surrounded by her loving family, on March 16,2025 at her residence in WI.

Born on December 30, 1939 in Weston Mills, NY, she was the daughter of the late Lyle R. and Marjorie (Baker) Bliss. Laura was a 1957 graduate of Otto-Eldred High School. 

On November 24, 1962, in Eldred, she married her longtime boyfriend, Philip R. “Stub” Wirtz, who survives.

Locally, she worked for Messer Oil Company in Olean, NY, and as a teller with the First National Bank in Olean and Portville, NY. Laura later was a bank teller in many cities as she followed her husband’s career.

Laura was an exceptionally talented artist, and her paintings were admired by all who viewed them. It was common for people to state, “How in the world can she do that?”, and other similar comments.

Laura was a very devoted Christian and she would spend time each day reading the Bible and watching religious programs on television. She loved taking walks with her husband and their many dogs.

Surviving is her husband Philip “Stub” of 62 years, one son, Gregory P. (Elizabeth) Wirtz, of Onalaska, WI, one daughter, Karen L. (Jim) Keranen of Mishawaka, IN, seven grandchildren, Allison (Wirtz) Kubat, Aaron Wentzlof, Nathan Wirtz, Chloe Wentzlof, Lindsey (Wirtz) Fitzpatrick, Jacob Wentzlof, and Kelly Wentzlof, two great granddaughters, Barrett Kubat and Siobhan Wentzlof, one brother, Gary Bliss, of Camp Bello, SC, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Jim Bliss and one sister, Lucille (Bliss) Hughes. 

A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Parish, in Onalaska, WI. Interment will be private in McKean Memorial Park with Rev. John Jacquel, Pastor of St. Bernard Church, officiating. 

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to Beacon Light Behavioral Health Services, 47 Beacon Light Way, Bradford, PA 16701

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com