Michael "Mike" Joseph Wuertz

Michael "Mike" Joseph Wuertz, 61, of Indianapolis, passed away on January 14, 2021.

Mike was born in February 9, 1959 to William Francis Wuertz Jr and Kathryn (Jones) Andrews in Indianapolis, IN.  Most recently he worked in Customer Support at Walmart, but prior to the pandemic his life was all about racing.  The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, particularly the 500 race, was his all-time favorite thing.  He worked for over 30 years as a Gold Vest Safety Patrol person, helping with traffic and the stands in the front stretch of the track.  By the time he came along it was a family tradition, both his father and his grandfather were also Gold Badges. 

Next to racing, being outdoors was what Mike liked best.  As in, outdoors in the wilderness.  He loved camping and fishing was his second passion.  When younger he would often go camping in Minnesota with his grandfather, and as an adult went with his best friend Mike for 10-14 days to camp in Boundary Waters. He was happiest outside.

Mike also enjoyed bowling, and at one point him and Mike worked at Managers at Expo Bowling, where they held the "Mike and Mike Show" while MCing for the jackpot drawings held on Friday Nights.  He was passionate about music and his dog Steffie.  He was a huge sucker for her, loving her as much as his human children and doting on her accordingly. 

Mike also was a very proud grandfather, he loved kids.  His granddaughter Jagger proudly said he let her do anything she wanted, and her parents could easily recount coming home early to find her and Mike sharing a huge pint of ice cream, him guiltily saying "we didn't expect you back so soon!". 

Mike is survived by his children, Joel Saxton, Elizabeth Saxton, and Christopher Wuertz; his granddaughter Jagger Saxton; his brother Steve Wuertz and his wife Lisa; his sister Karen Cox and her husband CAPT Denis Cox, USN; his mother Kathryn Andrews; the mother of his children Tina Nowosielski; his niece Danielle Hoskins; and his best friends Mike Little and Scott Toothman.

Mike is preceded in passing by his father, William Francis Wuertz Jr and his grandfather WIlliam "GP" Francis Wuertz Sr

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