Mike Wirkkala

Michael Warren Wirkkala was born in Ilwaco, Washington on September 2, 1949. He passed away at his Long Beach residence on August 1, 2014. Mike grew up in Ilwaco where he attended Ilwaco Grade and High School, graduating in 1967. Mike played basketball in grade school, through high school, and for Clark College in Vancouver, WA. Many fun years of town team basketball with "Wirkkala Mechanics" followed. Mike worked for Pacific County Public Utility No. 2, starting as an apprentice lineman in 1968, moving up the ladder to lineman, engineering, and finally as operations manager in 1984. He retired in 1999 after 30 years of service. Mike enjoyed basketball, the beach, wood cutting and harvesting cranberries. He joined the Western Amputee Golf Association in 1990 and was hooked on the game of golf. He was recognized for his golf game at several Amputee Tournaments. Mike also enjoyed the time spent with family and friends as his children were growing: high school sports, picnics, camping, trips to Bend and golf vacations. Mike married Janice Bittner in 1969, divorcing in 2000. Mike is survived by Janice and his daughter Kristine and husband Brent and granddaughters Briannah and Michelle of Milwaukie, OR.; his son James and wife Hope and grandson James of Oceanside, CA; sister Linnea and companion Steve of Toledo, WA; sister Lisa Carr of Bellevue, WA; sister Maritsa Wirkkala of Centralia, WA and brother Wayne and wife Rexanne of Vancouver, WA. along with several nieces and nephews. Mike also includes Ed and Linda Bittner, and Carol and Frank Woodward as family. Having received excellent care and compassion from nurses Donna, Terri and Jackie. Mike requests remembrances be made to Harbor Home Health and Hospice in care of Penttila's Chapel, PO Bix 417, Long Beach, WA 98631 We will be celebrating the story of Mike on September 28, 2014, 1 until 4 pm at The Cove at the Penisula Golf Course in Long Beach. Appetizers will be provided. His guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com. .