Terrance Eugene Wirta

Terrance Eugene Wirta, of Plano, Texas, a proud retired Lieutenant of the United States Navy, passed away at his home on May 12, 2025. The son of Fred Nestor Wirta and Mary Ann Maki, he was born September 11, 1940, in Grand Rapids, MN and grew up in Paris, Texas.

Terry joined the U.S. Navy in 1963 to serve his country and was stationed at the U.S. Naval base in Yokosuka, Japan where he was a communications officer. He was honorably discharged in 1967. 

He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas – Austin and was a proud Longhorn. Later he was selected to attend the highly competitive and prestigious MIT Sloan Fellow Program where he earned his MBA. 

Terry worked as a highly respected and successful business executive in the metals industry for 30 years. He spent most of his career leading sales and marketing and product management functions for Kaiser Aluminum, Martin Marietta and Commonwealth Aluminum until his retirement in 1997. 

Terry especially loved going to the family farm in Deport, TX with his family and beloved dog Max. He was also passionate about his Airstream and Liberty travel trailers and enjoyed spending time fishing at the coast in Port Aransas, TX. His hobbies included sailing, woodworking, fishing and cooking.  He was also a skilled duck carver and won Best of Show at the Texas Gunning Decoy Championships in 1991.

Terry is survived by wife Jean and sons Patrick Wirta and David Wirta, sister Carole Wilson and brother DuWayne Wirta. Grandchildren Paige, Austin, Elizabeth, Blake, Brian and Brooke and great grandchildren Juniper, Avery and Damian. 

Preceding Terry in death was his wife of 62 years, Jacqueline Jeffus Wirta and son Jeffrey Paul Wirta.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Hospital.