Obit: Zwirchitz, Dennis (1947 – 1968)

Transcriber: Pam Harders - posted4u@charter.net 

Surnames: Zwirchitz, Hetzel

----Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 03/28/1968

Zwirchitz, Dennis (1 JUL 1947 – 16 MAR 1968)

PFC Dennis Zwirchitz of Abbotsford was killed in action in Vietnam March 16, 1968. Word of his death was received here by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Delmer Zwirchitz, Abbotsford, Sunday.

Full details have not yet been released. He was serving as a machine gunner with H Company, 4th Marine Division, 2nd Battalion, in Quang Tri Province of the Republic of Vietnam.

Funeral arrangements are still pending, but are expected to be within the next two weeks.

Dennis Zwirchitz was born at Tomahawk July 1, 1947. The family moved to Abbotsford in 1950. He attended Abbotsford schools and graduated from the Abbotsford High School in 1966.

During high school he was active in athletics, playing both football and basketball, and was named the most valuable player on the football squad by his team. He also participated in the high school chorus.

In addition, he was active in the Christian Education program of the Presbyterian Church at Abbotsford.

During vacations and after school he was employed at the Abby Land Meat Market and Processing Plant.

After graduation he enrolled as a freshman at Wisconsin State University at Stevens Point and then enlisted in the Marine Corps.

He entered service May 22, 1967, and received his training at Camp Pendleton, San Diego.

On September 18, 1967, he came home for a 20 day furlough and then returned to San Diego for staging prior to a Vietnam assignment. He arrived in Vietnam Oct. 28.

On Thanksgiving Day hew as wounded in action, sustaining fragmentation injuries in both legs. After a month of hospitalization he was returned to active duty in the Quang Tri area.

It is the wish of the family that memorials to him be directed to the Memorial Fund of the Presbyterian Church of Abbotsford.

He is survived by his parents, one sister, Judy, and one brother, Edward, at home, his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Hetzel of Tomahawk, and paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Zwirchitz of Merrill, and great-grandmother, Mrs. John Zwirchitz of Birnamwood.