Bill Wirtz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bill Wirtz
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| Born | October 5, 1929 |
| Died | September 26, 2007 (aged 77) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Business Executive Owner of Chicago Blackhawks and Wirtz Corporation |
| Children | Rocky Wirtz |
William "Bill" Wirtz (born October 5, 1929 – died September 26, 2007) was a very important business leader. He was the main boss and owner of the Wirtz Corporation, a family business. He was most famous for owning the Chicago Blackhawks, a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League (NHL). Bill Wirtz was also the Blackhawks' team president for more than 40 years.
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About Bill Wirtz
His Early Life
Bill Wirtz grew up in Chicago, Illinois. His parents were Arthur and Virginia Wirtz. He went to the Latin School of Chicago, where he was a great athlete. He played football and ran track. After high school, he chose to go to Brown University with his best friend. He graduated from Brown University in 1950.
His Businesses and Wealth
Bill Wirtz owned many different businesses through the Wirtz Corporation. The most well-known was the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team. But he also owned Wirtz Realty, which managed many buildings in Chicago. Another big part of his business was Judge & Dolph Ltd., a company that sold a lot of drinks in Illinois.
The Wirtz Corporation also had businesses in banking and insurance. Bill Wirtz even co-owned the United Center in Chicago, which is where the Blackhawks play. In 2004, it was estimated that his company made about $1.3 billion in 2003. Bill Wirtz's personal wealth was estimated to be around $3 to $4 billion.
In 1979, he sold two popular ice shows, "Holiday on Ice" and "Ice Follies," for $12 million.
Leading the Blackhawks Hockey Team
Bill Wirtz was the president of the Chicago Blackhawks for 41 years. He also helped lead the NHL for 18 years. He played a big part in bringing the NHL and another league, the World Hockey Association, together in the 1970s.
As the owner, Bill Wirtz was known for being very careful with money. Some fans even called him "Dollar Bill." He made a rule that home games could not be shown on local TV. This made many fans upset because they couldn't watch the games unless they bought season tickets or the game was shown nationally. He explained that he did this to be fair to the fans who bought season tickets. For a short time, he tried a special TV service where fans could pay to watch games.
Over the years, some fans blamed Bill Wirtz for certain player trades. For example, they were upset when famous players like Bobby Hull, Dominik Hašek, Ed Belfour, Denis Savard, Chris Chelios, Jeremy Roenick, and Phil Esposito left the team. Many fans also felt frustrated because the Blackhawks went a very long time without winning the Stanley Cup, which is the biggest prize in hockey. This was one of the longest droughts in NHL history.
Even with some fan criticism, Bill Wirtz was honored for his contributions to hockey. He was put into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1976 and the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in 1985. Many people who knew him, like former players and managers, said he was a very kind and loyal person. In 1993, he started Blackhawk Charities. This group has given millions of dollars to help organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and youth hockey programs.
Bill Wirtz also helped with the Olympic Committee for the Winter Olympics in 1980 and 1984.
His Family and Passing
In 1950, Bill Wirtz married Joan Roney. They had five children: two sons, Rocky and Peter, and three daughters, Gail, Karey, and Alyson. Joan passed away in 1983, the same year as his father. In 1987, he married Alice Wirtz.
Bill Wirtz passed away on September 26, 2007, at Evanston Hospital after a short illness. His son Peter Wirtz became the new owner of the Blackhawks. Later, Peter passed the responsibility to his brother Rocky Wirtz. A service was held for Bill Wirtz at the Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago.
See also
