Obituary of Pearl Kay Wirbel

Pearl Kay Wirbel, age 83, of Midland, Michigan was welcomed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, May 2, 2026.  

She was born on February 28, 1943 in Bay City to the late Edwin and Clara Wirsing.  She was raised on a farm in Auburn and in 1960 she met the love of her life, Jerry Wirbel.  Jerry and Pearl married on April 23, 1962.  They were married 64 years.  The majority of her life, she was a farmer’s wife supporting Jerry by doing everything that a farm required to succeed. 

A woman of strong faith, she was a devoted member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sanford.  She will be remembered for her kind heart and deep devotion to her faith, family, and friends. 

Pearl was a woman of many talents and passions, especially crafting.  She especially enjoyed diamond art painting, coloring pictures (mastered many techniques), and making wreaths, flowers, and specialty items out of fabric mesh with her best friend Nancy Militelo. 

Some of her greatest enjoyments were with fellow Red Hatters as a member of the Red Hat Society.  She organized and participated in various outings, events, and luncheons. 

She was a member of the Sweet Adelines and Midland Choral Society for many years. 

Pearl held many positions throughout her years, including Midland County Farm Bureau secretary, Midland Soil Conservation District secretary, and was a member of the Michigan Corn Marketing Committee. 

Some of her fondest memories were of being a Cub Scout Leader, 4-H Leader, High School Pom-Pom Coach, and High School Majorette Coach. 

Pearl enjoyed spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, as well as many friends and other family members. 

Pearl is survived by her loving husband Jerry and their two children, Louie (Cheryl) Wirbel of Marion and Polly Wirbel of Caledonia.  She will be deeply missed by five grandchildren, Edwin, Tyler, Karissa (Steve), Nick (Shannon), and Brynn (Taylor), as well as six great-grandchildren, Rory, Kinsley, Rose, Cameron, Emma, and Hayden.  She also leaves behind sisters, Bonnie Scidmore and Penny (Dr. Lou) Chmura, sister-in-law Janet (Gary) Brandt, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Clara Wirsing; her father and mother-in-law, Louis & Sadie Wirbel; her brother-in-law, Dr. Gerald Scidmore; and her nephew, Edward Brandt and his wife Lynn. 

Pearl’s memory will live on through her family, whose lives have been enriched by her unwavering love and support. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.  Her life was a testament to love, laughter, and dedication. 

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 29 at 11:00 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2045 Lynn Street, Sanford, Michigan 48657.  Visitation will be an hour before the service and a luncheon will follow the service in the church basement. 

To sign the online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com. 

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.StJude.org.