John W. Wirtz, the founder of US lead-acid battery manufacturing equipment dynasty Wirtz Manufacturing, has died aged 91.
John started the firm, as it is known today, in 1932 after he began working as a machine operator at Wirtz Manufacturing while still in high school.
He later became president and owner of the Port Huron based company.
John, of Fort Gratiot, died December 3, at McLaren Port Huron. He is survived by his wife of 67 years Wanda, two children, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
John held numerous patents, and turned Wirtz Manufacturing into the world’s leading supplier of battery manufacturing equipment.
After graduated from Port Huron High School in 1943, he served in the US Navy, received a business degree from the University of Michigan and was a board member at, among other organisations, Battery Council International.
A funeral service will take place at 11am, Wednesday, December 14, at Grace Episcopal Church with The Rev. Lydia Speller officiating.
