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Obit: Hirsch, Alan John (1929 - 2009)
Poster: Robert Lipprandt
Email:
rloss@bellsouth.net
Surnames: Anderson, Booth, Garceau, Gordon, Hirsch, Lange, Lorie, McDonell,
Schuerman, Sherrill, Stefancin, Willger, Wilson
----Source: The Star News (Medford, Taylor County, Wisconsin) Thursday,
November 5, 2009, Online Edition
----Hirsch, Alan John (September 12, 1929 - November 1, 2009)
Alan John Hirsch, 80, of Topeka, Kan., and formerly of Medford, passed away
at his home on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009 after a short battle with renal cancer.
He was surrounded by his family at the time of his death.
Alan was born in Marshfield on September 12, 1929 to Vincent and Annie
(McDonell) Hirsch.
The youngest of six children, he attended Holy Rosary Catholic School and
Medford High School. He was a talented athlete, excelling in baseball,
hockey and football. Early in his senior year in 1946, Alan was stricken
with polio. Despite the resulting paralysis of his left leg, his
determination and his love of life were undiminished. He graduated Medford
High School in 1948.
Alan married his high school sweetheart, Phyllis Wilson, on December 28,
1948 in Medford. He attended St. John's University and graduated from St.
Thomas University in St. Paul, Minn., with a BS degree in math and physics
in 1952. He began his career as a polymer chemist with Doughboy Industries
in New Richmond. His work took him and his family to many places including,
Milan, Italy, over a 43-year career, ultimately retiring as president of
Aldan Rubber Corporation in Philadelphia, Pa.
In 1996 Alan and Phyllis retired to Scottsdale, Ariz., and enjoyed three
years of desert sunshine before moving back to Wisconsin after 40 years
away. In 2004, Alan was inducted into the Medford Athletic Hall of Fame. In
2005, they moved to Topeka, Kan., to live near their son Edward and his
family. They attended Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church.
Alan was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Alan Jr.;
granddaughter, Courtney Hirsch; grandson, Benjamin Booth; five siblings,
Sister Flora Ann Hirsch of Maryknoll, N.Y., Mary (Stan) Schuerman of Mesa,
Ariz., James (Brigetta) Hirsch of Sequim, Wash., formerly of Hudson, and
Donell Hirsch and Marjorie (Ray) Lange, both of Medford.
Alan is survived by is wife of 61 years; nine children, Jeannine Anderson of
Portsmouth, Va., Vicki (Larry) Booth of Chapel Hill, N.C., Kristin (Michael)
Sherrill of Concord, N.C., Vincent (Linda) Hirsch of Boulder, Colo., Edward
(Kimberly) Hirsch of Topeka, Kan., Lisa (Alan) Garceau of Norwood, Colo.,
Tricia Lorie of Honolulu, Hawaii, Alison (Tony) Gordon of Plover, and
Charlton (Monique) Hirsch of Singapore; 31 grandchildren; 12
great-grandchildren; 13 first cousins; numerous nieces and nephews; and
friends.
Alan Hirsch was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and will be
greatly missed. His family will remember him for the affection he showed his
wife, his abundant enthusiasm for everyday life and his sense of humor. He
enjoyed music, singing and movies. His greatest pride was his family. He had
a strong faith in God and a positive attitude in the face of many physical
challenges. To Alan's children and grandchildren he was a "shining beacon of
light," an extraordinary example of honesty, integrity, loyalty, love and
generosity.
A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in
Medford at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 13, with Father Gerard Willger and Deacon
Joe Stefancin officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12 at Hemer Funeral
Home in Medford, where there will be a 7 p.m. Catholic prayer service that
evening.
Online condolences may be made at
www.hemerfuneralservice.com.
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