"Joshua D. Wuertz Police officer, 34
Joshua D. Wuertz, 34, of Glenmoore, a police officer in North Coventry for almost 10 years, died of leukemia Saturday at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Wuertz was first diagnosed with leukemia when he was 11. The disease went into remission and returned three times, and he had two bone marrow transplants, said his mother, Esther Wuertz. Through it all, she said, he excelled at life.
He was a cross-country runner on his track team at Twin Valley High School in Elverson and played softball on a church team as recently as last summer, his mother said. For 18 years, he was a member of the Glenmoore Volunteer Fire Company and served as assistant fire chief.
Mr. Wuertz earned a bachelor's degree from Millersville University and graduated from Reading Police Academy. He joined the North Coventry Police Department in 1998. He collected Hess model trucks and baseball cards and was an avid Phillies, Eagles and Flyers fan.
In addition to his mother, Mr. Wuertz is survived by his father, Charles; his wife, Shannen Blevins Wuertz; a daughter, Lillyen; and a brother.
The funeral will be at noon tomorrow at East Brandywine Baptist Church, 999 Horseshoe Pike, Downingtown. Friends may call from 10 a.m. Burial will be in Glenmoore United Methodist Church Cemetery."
Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA)
Date: January 23, 2008
Edition: CITY-D
Page: B09
Copyright (c) 2008 The Philadelphia Inquirer
The following articles were suggested by Dan Lindley.
Thanks Dan for sending them.
Daily Local News
"Joshua D. Wuertz of Glenmoore
Monday, January 21, 2008
Joshua D. Wuertz, 34, of Glenmoore, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
He was the beloved husband of Shannen A. Blevins Wuertz, with whom he shared four years of marriage.
Born in West Chester, he was the son of Charles E. and Esther Smith Wuertz of Honey Brook.
He was a 1992 graduate of Twin Valley High School and a 1997 graduate of Millersville University and the Reading Police Academy.
Josh served as a police officer with the North Coventry Police Department for 10 years.
He became a member of Glen Moore Fire Company Station 48 in 1989 and served as assistant fire chief.
In addition to his wife and parents, Josh is survived by his daughter, Lillyen; brother, Christopher Wuertz and wife, Ann, of Glenmoore; nieces, Courtney, Alysia and Nicole; and by aunts, uncles and many cousins in Pennsylvania and Toledo, Ohio.
A funeral service will take place at noon on Thursday, Jan. 24, at East Brandywine Baptist Church, 999 Horseshoe Pike, Downingtown, where family and friends may call from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Interment will be in Glenmoore United Methodist Church Cemetery.
The family requests that no flowers be sent, but would appreciate memorial contributions sent to the Wuertz Family Fund, c/o North Coventry Police Department, 845 S. Hanover St., Pottstown, PA 19465; or to Glen Moore Fire Company, Box 221, 578 Fairview Road, Glenmoore, PA 19343.
To send online condolences, visit www.jamesterryfuneralhome.com"
Daily Local News
"A life remembered
FAMILY AND FRIENDS SAY GOODBYE TO BELOVED POLICE OFFICER, FIREFIGHTER
Thursday, January 24, 2008
By JENNIFER MILLER
EAST BRANDYWINE ‘ One day, Christopher Wuertz said, his 2-year-old niece Lillyen will fully see the effect her father, Joshua Wuertz, had on countless people in Chester County.
Christopher's brother, Joshua, died Saturday after losing a 23-year battle with leukemia. He was 34 years old. Thursday, inside East Brandywine Baptist Church, at the request of Christopher, hundreds of mourners stood and applauded Joshua's selfless life.
The service was filmed. One day, when she's older, Lillyen will view the footage and see the impact her father had in his short life, Christopher said. The applause, he said, will be a way for Lillyen to see how important her father was to their family, friends and community.
‘Although my brother would battle against cancer for over 23 years, enduring countless regimens of chemo and radiation, along with two bone marrow transplants, he never let it beat him. He would fight hard and live strong every step of the way,' Christopher said.
The sickness did not keep him from accomplishing numerous goals, including: being part of a state championship cross country team, becoming a Glen Moore firefighter, becoming a North Coventry police officer and becoming a husband and father.
At 15, Joshua became a junior firefighter for Glen Moore Fire Company, Station 48. His fellow firefighters recalled Thursday when he'd pull up to the station on ‘Bike 48.'
Over time, Joshua worked his way up to assistant fire chief. He also worked as a North Coventry police officer for 10 years.
‘I got to watch him grow from a boy to a man,' said Joe Lewis, deputy fire chief.
Charles Wuertz, Joshua's father, said during his son's high school years he trained for weeks so he could survive a father-son cross country run. As Charles huffed and puffed along, he asked Joshua, ‘What do you think?' Joshua said, ‘Dad, why don't
you just give it up?'
Through tears, Charles said, ‘He brought a lot of cheer to us from the very beginning.'
Pastor Daniel A. Hepner told mourners that Joshua was a Christian who focused on helping others, instead of himself.
‘We are to appreciate and benefit from what God has provided for us. Josh never took that for granted. Josh never worried about himself ‘ He was always prepared, always ready to help, to serve others,' Hepner said. ‘Josh seemingly never missed an opportunity to serve someone else.'
Joshua was born in West Chester. He graduated from Twin Valley High School in 1992 and graduated from Millersville University in 1997. Afterward, he attended and completed the Reading Police Academy. In 2003, Joshua married Shannen Wuertz. In 2005, their daughter was born.
‘So you see, my brother really did have a full and complete life,' Christopher said.
Shannen did not speak during the service. She wore a black suit and her husband's white assistant fire chief's dress hat as she exited the church behind Joshua's casket.
Interment was in Glenmoore United Methodist Church Cemetery.
‘I know it may seem to be a strange request, but please don't be sad today. Rather, be glad for the life my brother Josh had. I know that is what he would want. While his life may have been short by our standards and expectations, it was full and filled with dreams come true,' Christopher said.
To contact staff writer Jennifer Miller, send an e-mail to [email protected]."
Daily Local News
"Officer, firefighter dies after battling leukemia
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
By JENNIFER MILLER
When friends and family recall Joshua Wuertz, two characteristics generally come to mind: his positive attitude and his lifelong dedication to emergency services.
Wuertz, 34, of Glenmoore, served as a township police officer in North Coventry for 10 years and as a firefighter for the Glen Moore Fire Company since 1989.
He died Saturday after a battle with cancer that began at age 11.
Wuertz graduated high school, college and the police academy, all while dealing with leukemia and its treatments, which could easily slow anyone down. But his friends and family said Wuertz's bravery and energy carried him through it all.
That energy was evident when he competed on the Twin Valley High School cross country team and in 1991, his senior year, helped his team bring home county, district and state championships. His energy was also apparent when he became a firefighter at age 15 and eventually worked his way up to assistant fire chief.
Wuertz graduated from high school in 1992. While he was attending college, the leukemia returned, but he stayed in school during his treatment and graduated from Millersville University in 1997.
After college, he entered the Reading Police Academy and upon completion became a North Coventry police officer, realizing a dream he had declared when he was 12 years old, according to his mother, Esther Wuertz. As a child, Joshua often played with toy police cars and firetrucks, she said.
‘He was just always interested in that sort of thing,' his mother said.
North Coventry Police Chief Robert Schurr described Joshua as ‘a police chief's dream' with a solid work ethic and upbeat attitude.
‘He was a great police officer ... He always did everything expected of him. And he always had a smile on his face,' Schurr said. ‘He always impressed me with his investigative skills ‘ He left no stone unturned.'
Once, a victim told police that a man she had met on the Internet had assaulted her, Schurr said, but the victim knew nothing about her attacker except his name. Although still new as a police officer, Wuertz located phone records, identified the perpetrator and arrested him, Schurr said.
‘It just impressed me he was able to do that,' the chief said.
Wuertz straddled police and fire work well, said Andrew Chambers, a Glen Moore Fire Company lieutenant and Tredyffrin police captain. It was Wuertz's job to run command at fire scenes.
‘His calm demeanor while doing all of that stuff is what's going to be missed,' Chambers said. ‘So many people know him because of his calm demeanor and caring personality. We're going to miss him.'
In 2003, Wuertz was diagnosed with a different form of leukemia. Yet, even while receiving treatment, he continued to work and kept his sense of humor, his family and friends said.
Chambers saw the humor when the two agreed to play a practical joke on a nurse at the Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania, where Wuertz was a patient. Chambers attempted to pose as the family doctor. Their prank worked for a bit.
‘We just got a big kick out of it ‘ He always had some sort of joke going on,' Chambers said.
Joshua and his brother, Christopher, also had a joking relationship, which included leaving ‘devious' voicemails for each other, Christopher said. The messages were often left for each other after the Eagles ‘ Joshua's favorite team ‘ would play against the Cowboys ‘ Christopher's team.
When Joshua was younger, Christopher taught him how to play street hockey. The two also went to Flyers games together.
Joshua's cancer also created another bond for the brothers. Joshua's cancer treatment included two bone marrow transplants. Christopher was the donor.
‘It was nothing compared to what my brother had to go through,' Christopher said.
Joshua worked as a policeman and firefighter until he entered the hospital for the last time on Jan. 4, his 34th birthday.
He is survived by his wife, Shannen A. Blevins Wuertz, a firefighter and EMT with whom he shared four years of marriage; and their 2-year-old daughter, Lillyen.
He is also survived by his father, Charles Wuertz; a sister-in-law, Ann Wuertz; three nieces; and aunts, uncles and cousins.
A funeral service will be held at noon Thursday at East Brandywine Baptist Church, 999 Horseshoe Pike, where family and friends may call from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Interment will be in Glenmoore United Methodist Church Cemetery.
The family requests that no flowers be sent but would appreciate memorial contributions to the Wuertz Family Fund, c/o North Coventry Police Department, 845 S. Hanover St., Pottstown, PA 19465, or to the Glen Moore Fire Company, Box 221, 578 Fairview Road, Glenmoore, PA 19343.
To contact staff writer Jennifer Miller, send an e-mail to [email protected]."
Joshua D. Wuertz, 34, of Glenmoore, a police officer in North Coventry for almost 10 years, died of leukemia Saturday at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Wuertz was first diagnosed with leukemia when he was 11. The disease went into remission and returned three times, and he had two bone marrow transplants, said his mother, Esther Wuertz. Through it all, she said, he excelled at life.
He was a cross-country runner on his track team at Twin Valley High School in Elverson and played softball on a church team as recently as last summer, his mother said. For 18 years, he was a member of the Glenmoore Volunteer Fire Company and served as assistant fire chief.
Mr. Wuertz earned a bachelor's degree from Millersville University and graduated from Reading Police Academy. He joined the North Coventry Police Department in 1998. He collected Hess model trucks and baseball cards and was an avid Phillies, Eagles and Flyers fan.
In addition to his mother, Mr. Wuertz is survived by his father, Charles; his wife, Shannen Blevins Wuertz; a daughter, Lillyen; and a brother.
The funeral will be at noon tomorrow at East Brandywine Baptist Church, 999 Horseshoe Pike, Downingtown. Friends may call from 10 a.m. Burial will be in Glenmoore United Methodist Church Cemetery."
Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA)
Date: January 23, 2008
Edition: CITY-D
Page: B09
Copyright (c) 2008 The Philadelphia Inquirer
The following articles were suggested by Dan Lindley.
Thanks Dan for sending them.
Daily Local News
"Joshua D. Wuertz of Glenmoore
Monday, January 21, 2008
Joshua D. Wuertz, 34, of Glenmoore, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
He was the beloved husband of Shannen A. Blevins Wuertz, with whom he shared four years of marriage.
Born in West Chester, he was the son of Charles E. and Esther Smith Wuertz of Honey Brook.
He was a 1992 graduate of Twin Valley High School and a 1997 graduate of Millersville University and the Reading Police Academy.
Josh served as a police officer with the North Coventry Police Department for 10 years.
He became a member of Glen Moore Fire Company Station 48 in 1989 and served as assistant fire chief.
In addition to his wife and parents, Josh is survived by his daughter, Lillyen; brother, Christopher Wuertz and wife, Ann, of Glenmoore; nieces, Courtney, Alysia and Nicole; and by aunts, uncles and many cousins in Pennsylvania and Toledo, Ohio.
A funeral service will take place at noon on Thursday, Jan. 24, at East Brandywine Baptist Church, 999 Horseshoe Pike, Downingtown, where family and friends may call from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Interment will be in Glenmoore United Methodist Church Cemetery.
The family requests that no flowers be sent, but would appreciate memorial contributions sent to the Wuertz Family Fund, c/o North Coventry Police Department, 845 S. Hanover St., Pottstown, PA 19465; or to Glen Moore Fire Company, Box 221, 578 Fairview Road, Glenmoore, PA 19343.
To send online condolences, visit www.jamesterryfuneralhome.com"
Daily Local News
"A life remembered
FAMILY AND FRIENDS SAY GOODBYE TO BELOVED POLICE OFFICER, FIREFIGHTER
Thursday, January 24, 2008
By JENNIFER MILLER
EAST BRANDYWINE ‘ One day, Christopher Wuertz said, his 2-year-old niece Lillyen will fully see the effect her father, Joshua Wuertz, had on countless people in Chester County.
Christopher's brother, Joshua, died Saturday after losing a 23-year battle with leukemia. He was 34 years old. Thursday, inside East Brandywine Baptist Church, at the request of Christopher, hundreds of mourners stood and applauded Joshua's selfless life.
The service was filmed. One day, when she's older, Lillyen will view the footage and see the impact her father had in his short life, Christopher said. The applause, he said, will be a way for Lillyen to see how important her father was to their family, friends and community.
‘Although my brother would battle against cancer for over 23 years, enduring countless regimens of chemo and radiation, along with two bone marrow transplants, he never let it beat him. He would fight hard and live strong every step of the way,' Christopher said.
The sickness did not keep him from accomplishing numerous goals, including: being part of a state championship cross country team, becoming a Glen Moore firefighter, becoming a North Coventry police officer and becoming a husband and father.
At 15, Joshua became a junior firefighter for Glen Moore Fire Company, Station 48. His fellow firefighters recalled Thursday when he'd pull up to the station on ‘Bike 48.'
Over time, Joshua worked his way up to assistant fire chief. He also worked as a North Coventry police officer for 10 years.
‘I got to watch him grow from a boy to a man,' said Joe Lewis, deputy fire chief.
Charles Wuertz, Joshua's father, said during his son's high school years he trained for weeks so he could survive a father-son cross country run. As Charles huffed and puffed along, he asked Joshua, ‘What do you think?' Joshua said, ‘Dad, why don't
you just give it up?'
Through tears, Charles said, ‘He brought a lot of cheer to us from the very beginning.'
Pastor Daniel A. Hepner told mourners that Joshua was a Christian who focused on helping others, instead of himself.
‘We are to appreciate and benefit from what God has provided for us. Josh never took that for granted. Josh never worried about himself ‘ He was always prepared, always ready to help, to serve others,' Hepner said. ‘Josh seemingly never missed an opportunity to serve someone else.'
Joshua was born in West Chester. He graduated from Twin Valley High School in 1992 and graduated from Millersville University in 1997. Afterward, he attended and completed the Reading Police Academy. In 2003, Joshua married Shannen Wuertz. In 2005, their daughter was born.
‘So you see, my brother really did have a full and complete life,' Christopher said.
Shannen did not speak during the service. She wore a black suit and her husband's white assistant fire chief's dress hat as she exited the church behind Joshua's casket.
Interment was in Glenmoore United Methodist Church Cemetery.
‘I know it may seem to be a strange request, but please don't be sad today. Rather, be glad for the life my brother Josh had. I know that is what he would want. While his life may have been short by our standards and expectations, it was full and filled with dreams come true,' Christopher said.
To contact staff writer Jennifer Miller, send an e-mail to [email protected]."
Daily Local News
"Officer, firefighter dies after battling leukemia
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
By JENNIFER MILLER
When friends and family recall Joshua Wuertz, two characteristics generally come to mind: his positive attitude and his lifelong dedication to emergency services.
Wuertz, 34, of Glenmoore, served as a township police officer in North Coventry for 10 years and as a firefighter for the Glen Moore Fire Company since 1989.
He died Saturday after a battle with cancer that began at age 11.
Wuertz graduated high school, college and the police academy, all while dealing with leukemia and its treatments, which could easily slow anyone down. But his friends and family said Wuertz's bravery and energy carried him through it all.
That energy was evident when he competed on the Twin Valley High School cross country team and in 1991, his senior year, helped his team bring home county, district and state championships. His energy was also apparent when he became a firefighter at age 15 and eventually worked his way up to assistant fire chief.
Wuertz graduated from high school in 1992. While he was attending college, the leukemia returned, but he stayed in school during his treatment and graduated from Millersville University in 1997.
After college, he entered the Reading Police Academy and upon completion became a North Coventry police officer, realizing a dream he had declared when he was 12 years old, according to his mother, Esther Wuertz. As a child, Joshua often played with toy police cars and firetrucks, she said.
‘He was just always interested in that sort of thing,' his mother said.
North Coventry Police Chief Robert Schurr described Joshua as ‘a police chief's dream' with a solid work ethic and upbeat attitude.
‘He was a great police officer ... He always did everything expected of him. And he always had a smile on his face,' Schurr said. ‘He always impressed me with his investigative skills ‘ He left no stone unturned.'
Once, a victim told police that a man she had met on the Internet had assaulted her, Schurr said, but the victim knew nothing about her attacker except his name. Although still new as a police officer, Wuertz located phone records, identified the perpetrator and arrested him, Schurr said.
‘It just impressed me he was able to do that,' the chief said.
Wuertz straddled police and fire work well, said Andrew Chambers, a Glen Moore Fire Company lieutenant and Tredyffrin police captain. It was Wuertz's job to run command at fire scenes.
‘His calm demeanor while doing all of that stuff is what's going to be missed,' Chambers said. ‘So many people know him because of his calm demeanor and caring personality. We're going to miss him.'
In 2003, Wuertz was diagnosed with a different form of leukemia. Yet, even while receiving treatment, he continued to work and kept his sense of humor, his family and friends said.
Chambers saw the humor when the two agreed to play a practical joke on a nurse at the Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania, where Wuertz was a patient. Chambers attempted to pose as the family doctor. Their prank worked for a bit.
‘We just got a big kick out of it ‘ He always had some sort of joke going on,' Chambers said.
Joshua and his brother, Christopher, also had a joking relationship, which included leaving ‘devious' voicemails for each other, Christopher said. The messages were often left for each other after the Eagles ‘ Joshua's favorite team ‘ would play against the Cowboys ‘ Christopher's team.
When Joshua was younger, Christopher taught him how to play street hockey. The two also went to Flyers games together.
Joshua's cancer also created another bond for the brothers. Joshua's cancer treatment included two bone marrow transplants. Christopher was the donor.
‘It was nothing compared to what my brother had to go through,' Christopher said.
Joshua worked as a policeman and firefighter until he entered the hospital for the last time on Jan. 4, his 34th birthday.
He is survived by his wife, Shannen A. Blevins Wuertz, a firefighter and EMT with whom he shared four years of marriage; and their 2-year-old daughter, Lillyen.
He is also survived by his father, Charles Wuertz; a sister-in-law, Ann Wuertz; three nieces; and aunts, uncles and cousins.
A funeral service will be held at noon Thursday at East Brandywine Baptist Church, 999 Horseshoe Pike, where family and friends may call from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Interment will be in Glenmoore United Methodist Church Cemetery.
The family requests that no flowers be sent but would appreciate memorial contributions to the Wuertz Family Fund, c/o North Coventry Police Department, 845 S. Hanover St., Pottstown, PA 19465, or to the Glen Moore Fire Company, Box 221, 578 Fairview Road, Glenmoore, PA 19343.
To contact staff writer Jennifer Miller, send an e-mail to [email protected]."
"Joshua D. Wuertz Police officer, 34
Joshua D. Wuertz, 34, of Glenmoore, a police officer in North Coventry for almost 10 years, died of leukemia Saturday at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Wuertz was first diagnosed with leukemia when he was 11. The disease went into remission and returned three times, and he had two bone marrow transplants, said his mother, Esther Wuertz. Through it all, she said, he excelled at life.
He was a cross-country runner on his track team at Twin Valley High School in Elverson and played softball on a church team as recently as last summer, his mother said. For 18 years, he was a member of the Glenmoore Volunteer Fire Company and served as assistant fire chief.
Mr. Wuertz earned a bachelor's degree from Millersville University and graduated from Reading Police Academy. He joined the North Coventry Police Department in 1998. He collected Hess model trucks and baseball cards and was an avid Phillies, Eagles and Flyers fan.
In addition to his mother, Mr. Wuertz is survived by his father, Charles; his wife, Shannen Blevins Wuertz; a daughter, Lillyen; and a brother.
The funeral will be at noon tomorrow at East Brandywine Baptist Church, 999 Horseshoe Pike, Downingtown. Friends may call from 10 a.m. Burial will be in Glenmoore United Methodist Church Cemetery."
Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA)
Date: January 23, 2008
Edition: CITY-D
Page: B09
Copyright (c) 2008 The Philadelphia Inquirer
The following articles were suggested by Dan Lindley.
Thanks Dan for sending them.
Daily Local News
"Joshua D. Wuertz of Glenmoore
Monday, January 21, 2008
Joshua D. Wuertz, 34, of Glenmoore, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
He was the beloved husband of Shannen A. Blevins Wuertz, with whom he shared four years of marriage.
Born in West Chester, he was the son of Charles E. and Esther Smith Wuertz of Honey Brook.
He was a 1992 graduate of Twin Valley High School and a 1997 graduate of Millersville University and the Reading Police Academy.
Josh served as a police officer with the North Coventry Police Department for 10 years.
He became a member of Glen Moore Fire Company Station 48 in 1989 and served as assistant fire chief.
In addition to his wife and parents, Josh is survived by his daughter, Lillyen; brother, Christopher Wuertz and wife, Ann, of Glenmoore; nieces, Courtney, Alysia and Nicole; and by aunts, uncles and many cousins in Pennsylvania and Toledo, Ohio.
A funeral service will take place at noon on Thursday, Jan. 24, at East Brandywine Baptist Church, 999 Horseshoe Pike, Downingtown, where family and friends may call from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Interment will be in Glenmoore United Methodist Church Cemetery.
The family requests that no flowers be sent, but would appreciate memorial contributions sent to the Wuertz Family Fund, c/o North Coventry Police Department, 845 S. Hanover St., Pottstown, PA 19465; or to Glen Moore Fire Company, Box 221, 578 Fairview Road, Glenmoore, PA 19343.
To send online condolences, visit www.jamesterryfuneralhome.com"
Daily Local News
"A life remembered
FAMILY AND FRIENDS SAY GOODBYE TO BELOVED POLICE OFFICER, FIREFIGHTER
Thursday, January 24, 2008
By JENNIFER MILLER
EAST BRANDYWINE ‘ One day, Christopher Wuertz said, his 2-year-old niece Lillyen will fully see the effect her father, Joshua Wuertz, had on countless people in Chester County.
Christopher's brother, Joshua, died Saturday after losing a 23-year battle with leukemia. He was 34 years old. Thursday, inside East Brandywine Baptist Church, at the request of Christopher, hundreds of mourners stood and applauded Joshua's selfless life.
The service was filmed. One day, when she's older, Lillyen will view the footage and see the impact her father had in his short life, Christopher said. The applause, he said, will be a way for Lillyen to see how important her father was to their family, friends and community.
‘Although my brother would battle against cancer for over 23 years, enduring countless regimens of chemo and radiation, along with two bone marrow transplants, he never let it beat him. He would fight hard and live strong every step of the way,' Christopher said.
The sickness did not keep him from accomplishing numerous goals, including: being part of a state championship cross country team, becoming a Glen Moore firefighter, becoming a North Coventry police officer and becoming a husband and father.
At 15, Joshua became a junior firefighter for Glen Moore Fire Company, Station 48. His fellow firefighters recalled Thursday when he'd pull up to the station on ‘Bike 48.'
Over time, Joshua worked his way up to assistant fire chief. He also worked as a North Coventry police officer for 10 years.
‘I got to watch him grow from a boy to a man,' said Joe Lewis, deputy fire chief.
Charles Wuertz, Joshua's father, said during his son's high school years he trained for weeks so he could survive a father-son cross country run. As Charles huffed and puffed along, he asked Joshua, ‘What do you think?' Joshua said, ‘Dad, why don't
you just give it up?'
Through tears, Charles said, ‘He brought a lot of cheer to us from the very beginning.'
Pastor Daniel A. Hepner told mourners that Joshua was a Christian who focused on helping others, instead of himself.
‘We are to appreciate and benefit from what God has provided for us. Josh never took that for granted. Josh never worried about himself ‘ He was always prepared, always ready to help, to serve others,' Hepner said. ‘Josh seemingly never missed an opportunity to serve someone else.'
Joshua was born in West Chester. He graduated from Twin Valley High School in 1992 and graduated from Millersville University in 1997. Afterward, he attended and completed the Reading Police Academy. In 2003, Joshua married Shannen Wuertz. In 2005, their daughter was born.
‘So you see, my brother really did have a full and complete life,' Christopher said.
Shannen did not speak during the service. She wore a black suit and her husband's white assistant fire chief's dress hat as she exited the church behind Joshua's casket.
Interment was in Glenmoore United Methodist Church Cemetery.
‘I know it may seem to be a strange request, but please don't be sad today. Rather, be glad for the life my brother Josh had. I know that is what he would want. While his life may have been short by our standards and expectations, it was full and filled with dreams come true,' Christopher said.
To contact staff writer Jennifer Miller, send an e-mail to [email protected]."
Daily Local News
"Officer, firefighter dies after battling leukemia
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
By JENNIFER MILLER
When friends and family recall Joshua Wuertz, two characteristics generally come to mind: his positive attitude and his lifelong dedication to emergency services.
Wuertz, 34, of Glenmoore, served as a township police officer in North Coventry for 10 years and as a firefighter for the Glen Moore Fire Company since 1989.
He died Saturday after a battle with cancer that began at age 11.
Wuertz graduated high school, college and the police academy, all while dealing with leukemia and its treatments, which could easily slow anyone down. But his friends and family said Wuertz's bravery and energy carried him through it all.
That energy was evident when he competed on the Twin Valley High School cross country team and in 1991, his senior year, helped his team bring home county, district and state championships. His energy was also apparent when he became a firefighter at age 15 and eventually worked his way up to assistant fire chief.
Wuertz graduated from high school in 1992. While he was attending college, the leukemia returned, but he stayed in school during his treatment and graduated from Millersville University in 1997.
After college, he entered the Reading Police Academy and upon completion became a North Coventry police officer, realizing a dream he had declared when he was 12 years old, according to his mother, Esther Wuertz. As a child, Joshua often played with toy police cars and firetrucks, she said.
‘He was just always interested in that sort of thing,' his mother said.
North Coventry Police Chief Robert Schurr described Joshua as ‘a police chief's dream' with a solid work ethic and upbeat attitude.
‘He was a great police officer ... He always did everything expected of him. And he always had a smile on his face,' Schurr said. ‘He always impressed me with his investigative skills ‘ He left no stone unturned.'
Once, a victim told police that a man she had met on the Internet had assaulted her, Schurr said, but the victim knew nothing about her attacker except his name. Although still new as a police officer, Wuertz located phone records, identified the perpetrator and arrested him, Schurr said.
‘It just impressed me he was able to do that,' the chief said.
Wuertz straddled police and fire work well, said Andrew Chambers, a Glen Moore Fire Company lieutenant and Tredyffrin police captain. It was Wuertz's job to run command at fire scenes.
‘His calm demeanor while doing all of that stuff is what's going to be missed,' Chambers said. ‘So many people know him because of his calm demeanor and caring personality. We're going to miss him.'
In 2003, Wuertz was diagnosed with a different form of leukemia. Yet, even while receiving treatment, he continued to work and kept his sense of humor, his family and friends said.
Chambers saw the humor when the two agreed to play a practical joke on a nurse at the Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania, where Wuertz was a patient. Chambers attempted to pose as the family doctor. Their prank worked for a bit.
‘We just got a big kick out of it ‘ He always had some sort of joke going on,' Chambers said.
Joshua and his brother, Christopher, also had a joking relationship, which included leaving ‘devious' voicemails for each other, Christopher said. The messages were often left for each other after the Eagles ‘ Joshua's favorite team ‘ would play against the Cowboys ‘ Christopher's team.
When Joshua was younger, Christopher taught him how to play street hockey. The two also went to Flyers games together.
Joshua's cancer also created another bond for the brothers. Joshua's cancer treatment included two bone marrow transplants. Christopher was the donor.
‘It was nothing compared to what my brother had to go through,' Christopher said.
Joshua worked as a policeman and firefighter until he entered the hospital for the last time on Jan. 4, his 34th birthday.
He is survived by his wife, Shannen A. Blevins Wuertz, a firefighter and EMT with whom he shared four years of marriage; and their 2-year-old daughter, Lillyen.
He is also survived by his father, Charles Wuertz; a sister-in-law, Ann Wuertz; three nieces; and aunts, uncles and cousins.
A funeral service will be held at noon Thursday at East Brandywine Baptist Church, 999 Horseshoe Pike, where family and friends may call from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Interment will be in Glenmoore United Methodist Church Cemetery.
The family requests that no flowers be sent but would appreciate memorial contributions to the Wuertz Family Fund, c/o North Coventry Police Department, 845 S. Hanover St., Pottstown, PA 19465, or to the Glen Moore Fire Company, Box 221, 578 Fairview Road, Glenmoore, PA 19343.
To contact staff writer Jennifer Miller, send an e-mail to [email protected]."
Joshua D. Wuertz, 34, of Glenmoore, a police officer in North Coventry for almost 10 years, died of leukemia Saturday at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Wuertz was first diagnosed with leukemia when he was 11. The disease went into remission and returned three times, and he had two bone marrow transplants, said his mother, Esther Wuertz. Through it all, she said, he excelled at life.
He was a cross-country runner on his track team at Twin Valley High School in Elverson and played softball on a church team as recently as last summer, his mother said. For 18 years, he was a member of the Glenmoore Volunteer Fire Company and served as assistant fire chief.
Mr. Wuertz earned a bachelor's degree from Millersville University and graduated from Reading Police Academy. He joined the North Coventry Police Department in 1998. He collected Hess model trucks and baseball cards and was an avid Phillies, Eagles and Flyers fan.
In addition to his mother, Mr. Wuertz is survived by his father, Charles; his wife, Shannen Blevins Wuertz; a daughter, Lillyen; and a brother.
The funeral will be at noon tomorrow at East Brandywine Baptist Church, 999 Horseshoe Pike, Downingtown. Friends may call from 10 a.m. Burial will be in Glenmoore United Methodist Church Cemetery."
Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA)
Date: January 23, 2008
Edition: CITY-D
Page: B09
Copyright (c) 2008 The Philadelphia Inquirer
The following articles were suggested by Dan Lindley.
Thanks Dan for sending them.
Daily Local News
"Joshua D. Wuertz of Glenmoore
Monday, January 21, 2008
Joshua D. Wuertz, 34, of Glenmoore, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
He was the beloved husband of Shannen A. Blevins Wuertz, with whom he shared four years of marriage.
Born in West Chester, he was the son of Charles E. and Esther Smith Wuertz of Honey Brook.
He was a 1992 graduate of Twin Valley High School and a 1997 graduate of Millersville University and the Reading Police Academy.
Josh served as a police officer with the North Coventry Police Department for 10 years.
He became a member of Glen Moore Fire Company Station 48 in 1989 and served as assistant fire chief.
In addition to his wife and parents, Josh is survived by his daughter, Lillyen; brother, Christopher Wuertz and wife, Ann, of Glenmoore; nieces, Courtney, Alysia and Nicole; and by aunts, uncles and many cousins in Pennsylvania and Toledo, Ohio.
A funeral service will take place at noon on Thursday, Jan. 24, at East Brandywine Baptist Church, 999 Horseshoe Pike, Downingtown, where family and friends may call from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Interment will be in Glenmoore United Methodist Church Cemetery.
The family requests that no flowers be sent, but would appreciate memorial contributions sent to the Wuertz Family Fund, c/o North Coventry Police Department, 845 S. Hanover St., Pottstown, PA 19465; or to Glen Moore Fire Company, Box 221, 578 Fairview Road, Glenmoore, PA 19343.
To send online condolences, visit www.jamesterryfuneralhome.com"
Daily Local News
"A life remembered
FAMILY AND FRIENDS SAY GOODBYE TO BELOVED POLICE OFFICER, FIREFIGHTER
Thursday, January 24, 2008
By JENNIFER MILLER
EAST BRANDYWINE ‘ One day, Christopher Wuertz said, his 2-year-old niece Lillyen will fully see the effect her father, Joshua Wuertz, had on countless people in Chester County.
Christopher's brother, Joshua, died Saturday after losing a 23-year battle with leukemia. He was 34 years old. Thursday, inside East Brandywine Baptist Church, at the request of Christopher, hundreds of mourners stood and applauded Joshua's selfless life.
The service was filmed. One day, when she's older, Lillyen will view the footage and see the impact her father had in his short life, Christopher said. The applause, he said, will be a way for Lillyen to see how important her father was to their family, friends and community.
‘Although my brother would battle against cancer for over 23 years, enduring countless regimens of chemo and radiation, along with two bone marrow transplants, he never let it beat him. He would fight hard and live strong every step of the way,' Christopher said.
The sickness did not keep him from accomplishing numerous goals, including: being part of a state championship cross country team, becoming a Glen Moore firefighter, becoming a North Coventry police officer and becoming a husband and father.
At 15, Joshua became a junior firefighter for Glen Moore Fire Company, Station 48. His fellow firefighters recalled Thursday when he'd pull up to the station on ‘Bike 48.'
Over time, Joshua worked his way up to assistant fire chief. He also worked as a North Coventry police officer for 10 years.
‘I got to watch him grow from a boy to a man,' said Joe Lewis, deputy fire chief.
Charles Wuertz, Joshua's father, said during his son's high school years he trained for weeks so he could survive a father-son cross country run. As Charles huffed and puffed along, he asked Joshua, ‘What do you think?' Joshua said, ‘Dad, why don't
you just give it up?'
Through tears, Charles said, ‘He brought a lot of cheer to us from the very beginning.'
Pastor Daniel A. Hepner told mourners that Joshua was a Christian who focused on helping others, instead of himself.
‘We are to appreciate and benefit from what God has provided for us. Josh never took that for granted. Josh never worried about himself ‘ He was always prepared, always ready to help, to serve others,' Hepner said. ‘Josh seemingly never missed an opportunity to serve someone else.'
Joshua was born in West Chester. He graduated from Twin Valley High School in 1992 and graduated from Millersville University in 1997. Afterward, he attended and completed the Reading Police Academy. In 2003, Joshua married Shannen Wuertz. In 2005, their daughter was born.
‘So you see, my brother really did have a full and complete life,' Christopher said.
Shannen did not speak during the service. She wore a black suit and her husband's white assistant fire chief's dress hat as she exited the church behind Joshua's casket.
Interment was in Glenmoore United Methodist Church Cemetery.
‘I know it may seem to be a strange request, but please don't be sad today. Rather, be glad for the life my brother Josh had. I know that is what he would want. While his life may have been short by our standards and expectations, it was full and filled with dreams come true,' Christopher said.
To contact staff writer Jennifer Miller, send an e-mail to [email protected]."
Daily Local News
"Officer, firefighter dies after battling leukemia
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
By JENNIFER MILLER
When friends and family recall Joshua Wuertz, two characteristics generally come to mind: his positive attitude and his lifelong dedication to emergency services.
Wuertz, 34, of Glenmoore, served as a township police officer in North Coventry for 10 years and as a firefighter for the Glen Moore Fire Company since 1989.
He died Saturday after a battle with cancer that began at age 11.
Wuertz graduated high school, college and the police academy, all while dealing with leukemia and its treatments, which could easily slow anyone down. But his friends and family said Wuertz's bravery and energy carried him through it all.
That energy was evident when he competed on the Twin Valley High School cross country team and in 1991, his senior year, helped his team bring home county, district and state championships. His energy was also apparent when he became a firefighter at age 15 and eventually worked his way up to assistant fire chief.
Wuertz graduated from high school in 1992. While he was attending college, the leukemia returned, but he stayed in school during his treatment and graduated from Millersville University in 1997.
After college, he entered the Reading Police Academy and upon completion became a North Coventry police officer, realizing a dream he had declared when he was 12 years old, according to his mother, Esther Wuertz. As a child, Joshua often played with toy police cars and firetrucks, she said.
‘He was just always interested in that sort of thing,' his mother said.
North Coventry Police Chief Robert Schurr described Joshua as ‘a police chief's dream' with a solid work ethic and upbeat attitude.
‘He was a great police officer ... He always did everything expected of him. And he always had a smile on his face,' Schurr said. ‘He always impressed me with his investigative skills ‘ He left no stone unturned.'
Once, a victim told police that a man she had met on the Internet had assaulted her, Schurr said, but the victim knew nothing about her attacker except his name. Although still new as a police officer, Wuertz located phone records, identified the perpetrator and arrested him, Schurr said.
‘It just impressed me he was able to do that,' the chief said.
Wuertz straddled police and fire work well, said Andrew Chambers, a Glen Moore Fire Company lieutenant and Tredyffrin police captain. It was Wuertz's job to run command at fire scenes.
‘His calm demeanor while doing all of that stuff is what's going to be missed,' Chambers said. ‘So many people know him because of his calm demeanor and caring personality. We're going to miss him.'
In 2003, Wuertz was diagnosed with a different form of leukemia. Yet, even while receiving treatment, he continued to work and kept his sense of humor, his family and friends said.
Chambers saw the humor when the two agreed to play a practical joke on a nurse at the Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania, where Wuertz was a patient. Chambers attempted to pose as the family doctor. Their prank worked for a bit.
‘We just got a big kick out of it ‘ He always had some sort of joke going on,' Chambers said.
Joshua and his brother, Christopher, also had a joking relationship, which included leaving ‘devious' voicemails for each other, Christopher said. The messages were often left for each other after the Eagles ‘ Joshua's favorite team ‘ would play against the Cowboys ‘ Christopher's team.
When Joshua was younger, Christopher taught him how to play street hockey. The two also went to Flyers games together.
Joshua's cancer also created another bond for the brothers. Joshua's cancer treatment included two bone marrow transplants. Christopher was the donor.
‘It was nothing compared to what my brother had to go through,' Christopher said.
Joshua worked as a policeman and firefighter until he entered the hospital for the last time on Jan. 4, his 34th birthday.
He is survived by his wife, Shannen A. Blevins Wuertz, a firefighter and EMT with whom he shared four years of marriage; and their 2-year-old daughter, Lillyen.
He is also survived by his father, Charles Wuertz; a sister-in-law, Ann Wuertz; three nieces; and aunts, uncles and cousins.
A funeral service will be held at noon Thursday at East Brandywine Baptist Church, 999 Horseshoe Pike, where family and friends may call from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Interment will be in Glenmoore United Methodist Church Cemetery.
The family requests that no flowers be sent but would appreciate memorial contributions to the Wuertz Family Fund, c/o North Coventry Police Department, 845 S. Hanover St., Pottstown, PA 19465, or to the Glen Moore Fire Company, Box 221, 578 Fairview Road, Glenmoore, PA 19343.
To contact staff writer Jennifer Miller, send an e-mail to [email protected]."
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