Public Memorial Set For Late Blackhawks Owner Rocky Wirtz

CHICAGO — The Chicago Blackhawks will host a public memorial event for principal owner Rocky Wirtz, who died unexpectedly at the age of 70 last week after a short illness

A private memorial for Wirz's family members and family friends will be held on Tuesday, but the team announced this week that fans will be able to come to the United Center on Aug. 9 to celebrate Wirtz’s life.

The event is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. inside the arena and fans will be welcomed on a first-come, first-served basis, the Blackhawks announced. Following the formal service, the United Center will remain open until 3 p.m. for those wishing to pay their respects.

Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. and fans should enter the United Center through Gates 6 and 7, which are located on the south side of the facility. Free parking will be available in Lot K and other lots will be used for overflow if needed.

In lieu of flowers, the Wirtz family requests that donations be made to the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation, which is the team’s official charitable arm. The team said donations will allow the team to further its mission of creating a healthier, smarter, and more secure world for children and families throughout the greater Chicago area.

Wirtz, who helped to deliver three Stanley Cup championships to the Blackhawks between 2010 and 2015, died on July 29 surrounded by his family at NorthShore Evanston Hospital surrounded by his family.

"Our hearts are very heavy today,” Wirtz's son, Blackhawks CEO Danny Wirtz said in a statement issued by the family. "Our dad was a passionate businessman committed to making Chicago a great place to live, work and visit, but his true love was for his family and close friends.

“He was a loving father, a devoted husband to Marilyn, a brother, a nephew, an uncle, and a doting grandfather to his six remarkable grandchildren. His passing leaves a huge hole in the hearts of many and we will miss him terribly.

Wirtz is survived by his wife Marilyn; his children, Danny Wirtz, Kendall Murphy, and Hillary Wirtz, and Elizabeth Queen and their six grandchildren.