Former Evanston Parks Director Donald Joseph Wirth Passes Away at 86
Funeral services are set to take place on March 2 in Naples, Florida, for Donald Joseph Wirth, an influential figure in the parks and recreation field. Wirth, who served as the director of Evanston parks/forestry and recreation for almost 25 years, passed away at the age of 86.
During his tenure from 1971 to 1995, Wirth made significant contributions to the city of Evanston. Notable achievements include the development of the Evanston lakefront, the construction of South Boulevard Beach, and the establishment of community centers such as Robert Crown and Chandler-Newberger. Additionally, Wirth played a vital role in the creation of the Noyes Cultural Arts Center and the Ladd Memorial Arboretum and Evanston Ecology Center, while overseeing the management of 80 parks throughout the city.
Wirth’s dedication to the community extended beyond infrastructure projects. He implemented school-based programs, free recreation and arts initiatives, as well as sports and social programs for individuals of all ages. His family highlighted his passion for improving the lives of others through accessible public spaces of recreation and leisure in his obituary.
Prior to his time in Evanston, Wirth held positions in parks and recreation administration in Brookfield, Wisconsin, and Naples, Florida. His exemplary work in the field was recognized by the National Recreation and Park Association, earning him several accolades throughout his career.
A Visionary Leader and Advocate for Community
Wirth’s impact extended beyond the city of Evanston. As a board member of the Peter Jans Community Golf Course (now Canal Shores), he successfully advocated for the contribution of a parcel of land crucial to the construction of the Chandler Center. Recognizing the emerging street gang presence in the 1980s, Wirth played a pivotal role in redirecting focus towards scholarships and fee-assisted programs.
When Wirth retired in 1995, then-City Manager Eric Anderson acknowledged his lasting legacy. Anderson stated that Wirth’s achievements surpassed any specific program or single accomplishment, emphasizing his vision for the future of parks and recreation services in Evanston.
Martha Logan, an Evanston resident who worked with Wirth in the Recreation Department, remembered him as a compassionate and dedicated leader. Logan expressed admiration for Wirth’s efforts in bringing recreational opportunities to residents of all ages and abilities, citing the establishment of the ecology center as a hallmark of his career. She also commended his commitment to preserving Evanston’s urban forest, particularly the longevity of the elm canopy.
Born on March 19, 1937, in Mount Carmel, Donald Joseph Wirth was the eldest child of Gilbert Michael Wirth and Lorena Catherine Berberich Wirth. He graduated from the University of Illinois, earning a bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Administration in 1959, followed by a master’s degree in 1961. Wirth married Judith Ann Thompson on September 14, 1963, in Champaign.
Donald Joseph Wirth passed away on December 23, with his parents, sister, and brother preceding him in death. He is survived by his wife Judith, three daughters, and several grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on March 2 at St. Williams Catholic Church in Naples, Florida. A Celebration of Life will also take place on May 4 at the Evanston Golf Club in Skokie, Illinois.
The family has requested that memorial donations be made to the Salvation Army in lieu of flowers.
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