Beuford H. "Bushy" Wirt

Beuford H. (Bushy) Wirt of Hastings, MN died July 5, 2011 at Augustana Care Center in Hastings. He was 99 years old. Bushy was born Sept. 30, 1911 in Lewiston, MN, the son of Henry and Alice (Ogrosky) Wirt. His father started the Lewiston Telephone Co in 1903, and Bushy grew up with the telephone company. When he was 9 years old, his father had a blacksmith make a pair of climbers for him so he could learn to climb telephone poles. After graduating from high school, he became a full time employee and later manager of the Pioneer Telephone Co in the Wabasha and Winona County area. In 1961 Bushy and his family moved to Hastings when he became the manager of the Pioneer Telephone co. of Hastings. He was later promoted to Metro Manager, United Telephone of Minnesota, and retired in 1974 after 44 years in the telephone business. After his retirement, he kept active caning chairs, and volunteering for numerous organizations. He was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Hastings. Bushy loved talking to people and helping them in any way he could, so volunteering was a natural fit for him. He delivered Meal-On-Wheels for 20 years, was on the board of directors for Hastings Family Service, installed Lifeline emergency systems for Regina Memorial Hospital, and was a volunteer driver for three Hastings churches. In 1990 he was named Dakota County Senior Citizen of the Year, and at the age of 90 the Hastings Lion's Club awarded him their highest recognition, The Helen Keller Award. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mary, and his beloved wife Bess. He is survived by his special friend Audrey Ceran, his daughter Ellen (Gordon) Lindstrom, son John (Linda) Wirt; grandchildren Marc and Matt Lindstrom, Anabel Wirt, Elizabeth (Greg) Froehle, and David Wirt; and one great granddaughter Evelyn Froehle. His family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Augustana Care Center for taking such good care of Dad during his 2 year stay with themCoffee and cake reception 10 AM Friday followed by a Memorial Service at 11 AM Friday at Our Saviour's Ev. Lutheran Church, 400 W. 9th St., Hastings