Hans Jurgen Wirbel's Obituary
Now, in the hush of nature’s choir,
Their memory lives, a blazing fire,
As long as forests stand and rivers run,
The Runner’s journey is never done
The Runner’s Journey
-Mark Gregory
Hans Jürgen Wirbel, 84, of Mililani, Hawaii, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025. Hans was born in Königsberg, Germany on June 13, 1941. He moved to the United States in 1957 where he and his family lived in Watertown, Connecticut. In 1959, Hans moved with a friend to Las Vegas but decided it wasn’t the place for him. He moved to Hawaii and in 1964 started working as a pastry chef at the Kahala Hilton Hotel where he remained for his entire 39-year career. Working at the Kahala Hilton Hotel he created lifelong friendships and was also where he met his dear wife, Ellen.
Hans was well known for his improvement of the Lavosh recipe that he made for the Kahala Hilton Hotel. The Hotel asked him to make an alternative to rolls or bread and he presented Lavosh. He also baked the Happy Cakes made for Kemoo Farms. President Ronald Reagan was a big fan of these Happy cakes and Kemoo Farms often received mail order forms from the President. At the Weeks National Hill Reception in Los Angeles, Dick Rodby presented Happy Cakes to each Congressman and Senator. Through his work at the Kahala Hilton Hotel, Hans befriended many celebrities such as Professional wrestler, Ripper Collins, and Professional golfer, Bob Murphy.
Hans was an avid runner. He started running in his 20s, his love of running starting with his time on the soccer team, the Germans S.C. Honolulu. Hans enjoyed running because it kept him fit and healthy. His wife, Ellen, said he was light on his feet when he ran and looked like he was floating. He participated in many marathons including: the 3rd Annual Honolulu Marathon in 1975 and completed it in 3 hours, 5 minutes and 8 seconds, the 8th Annual 140 mile Oahu Perimeter relay in 1976 where he came in first in his age group, the Primo 50 mile marathon in 1976 where he placed 3rd, and various other marathons on Maui and Oahu. He continued running well into his 50s as running gave him so much joy.
Hans was a people person and would talk to his neighbors as they went back and forth in front of his home. He would stop whatever he was doing to talk to them and wave at them as he worked outside. Hans kept a beautiful yard and had extensive knowledge of
landscaping. Hans was a loving, caring person with a great sense of humor. His wife Ellen recalls when they were running together once, she tripped over some uneven ground. Hans asked her if she was all right and after reassuring him she was fine, Hans said, he thought she found money and was diving for it. Hans knew how to lift your spirits when you were down, and knew exactly what to say to make you feel better. He loved to make people feel good.
Hans is survived by his beloved wife Ellen, who has been by his side for 49 years, sisters Monika Wirbel Angel of Florida and Hannelore Ciunel Donofrio of Florida, as well as his nieces and nephews: Stacie (Daniel), Wes (Sonya), Ryan (Yumiko), Trisha (Craig), and Danny (Phuong).
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