Everett J. Wirtanen

ASHBURNHAM - Everett J. Wirtanen, 85 of Ashburnham, died Saturday, December 22, 2012 in the Health Alliance Leominster Campus, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Kalamazoo, MI, on July 17, 1927, the son of the late John and Hilma (Sorsen) Wirtanen. He was a graduate of Fitchburg High School in 1945 and received an Associate Degree from Mount Wachusett Community College.  He was awarded his Eagle Scout rank from the Boy Scouts of America.  As an Eagle Scout he received an award for his actions during World War II.  He also served as Scout Master for many years.  He later married Pauline (Roy) Wirtanen formerly of Fitchburg. He was a survivor of Polio as a child, but never let his disability stop him. Everett retired from the James River Paper Company after more than 40 years of service as a Maintenance Supervisor, where he received several safety awards from OSHA.  He was a former President of the Fitchburg Paper Makers Union #20 A.F.L., and as a Fourth Degree member of the Gardner Order of the Bishop Beaven Assembly #396 Knights of Columbus, he served as former District Deputy and past Grand Knight.  As an active member of the greater Ashburnham community he belonged to the Forever Young Club, St. Denis Church, a life member of the Turnpike Rod and Gun Club, and the Fitchburg British American Club. Everett served as the former Commissioner of the Ashburnham Municipal Light Department, and was a member of the Ashburnham Democratic Committee, the Crocker Recreation Club, the Eastwood Club and the Ashburnham American Legion, Thomas P. Sweeney Post #142. He was an avid golfer and a former member of the Winchendon Country Club and the Industrial Golf League.  He is an associate for the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.   He leaves six daughters, Christine McGowan of Ashburnham, Shirley Stevens and her husband Edward of Ashburnham, Alice Green and her husband Richard of Leominster, Brenda Whittemore and her husband Ernest of Hubbardston, Lori Quinn and her husband Kirk of Winchendon Springs, Rhonda Parenteau and her husband Gary of Gardner and one son, Everett J. Wirtanen, Jr. of Townsend; a brother Robert Wirtanen of Southbridge; fourteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Pauline D. (Roy) Wirtanen who died in October of this year; three brothers, Edward Wirtanen, Edwin Wirtanen, Richard Wirtanen and by his great-granddaughter Elysia Rose Parenteau Shackett. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, December 28, 2012 at 11 a.m. in St. Denis Church, 85 Main St., Ashburnham.  Burial will be in the spring. Calling hours will be held Thursday, December 27, 2012 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Mack Funeral Home, 91 Vernon St., Gardner. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to the Easter Seals Society, 484 Main St., Worcester, MA 01608.   Mack Funeral Home, 91 Vernon St., Gardner is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });