Alfred Galven Hirsch finished his 98 year journey peacefully on December 4, 2014 at the Friendship Villa where he and his wife Eunice have resided for the past 18 months.
Alfred was the fourth child of Jacob and Anna (Redman) Hirsch, born September 15, 1916. He was born at the family homestead at Crow Rock, which was then part of Dawson County, with his Aunt Margaret helping to deliver this 15 pound baby boy. Alfred enjoyed his country roots with his 9 siblings and his first trip to Miles City was when he was 15 years old. His family spoke only German so when he started school he had to learn the English language. His classmates were mostly his cousins as Otto, Emil and Jacob, the Hirsch brothers, had homesteaded in the same, now, Rock Springs, Montana. He moved with his parents to the Yellowstone Valley in 1937. Alfred married Eunice Wilson on December 11, 1938. The couple began their life together in Miles City where Alfred initiated his farming/ranching career. He also worked for the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Montana Highway Department. On October 3, 1941, Alfred sustained severe injuries in a State Highway rollover accident, being pronounced dead twice. (Dr. Thompson told him after the second time that he aroused and spoke to his wife that he would never pronounce him dead again.) In 1942 he was privileged to join together with his brother-in-law Lloyd Wilson and they bought the Miles City Garbage business. It was in 1949 that the couple moved to Kinsey and enjoyed a life of farming before retiring and moving back to Miles City in 2005.
Alfred enjoyed a long and fruitful life. Alfred and Eunice celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on December 11, 2013. Alfred dearly loved his wife, children and grandchildren. He loved music and could be heard throughout Kinsey whistling and singing while he worked on what was often called the neatest farm in Kinsey. He had a great memory, often reciting his favorite poetry, story or sayings and he had a nickname for everyone. He loved to dance, even suffering a broken hip doing the butterfly at a Kinsey dance. He was an avid card player and wasn’t above manipulating a card game to win. Alfred was called the Mayor of Kinsey and if you wanted to hear the Kinsey news, you showed up for morning coffee at the Hirsch kitchen table. He was a member of the Kinsey School Board, Kinsey Fair Board and the Kinsey Water and Irrigation Board and remained an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles City until his death.
Alfred is survived by his 5 children – Charlotte (Harold) Erlenbusch, Lyle (Patricia), Dennis (Meredith), Larry (Peggy) and Dale (Barbara), 18 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and 16 great, great grandchildren, brothers Ted and Elmer, sisters, Ruby Fields, Ruth Thomas, Gertie Fischer.
Brother Edwin and sisters, Edna Schmidt, Hilda Fiechtner and Martha Finch preceded him in death. (The Hirsch children were passing in their birth order but Martha, Alfred’s sister just younger, called him last July 4th and told him she was tired of waiting for him to die so she was going to go next.)
We are blessed to have so many wonderful memories of a very fun loving man. Alfred, there is no more pain, may you forever rest in peace.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 with family receiving friends from 4:00pm to 6:00pm and a prayer service beginning at 6:00pm. Funeral services will be held on Thursday December 11, 2014 at 2:00pm at the Trinity Lutheran Church with burial to follow in the family plot of Custer County Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 10, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Prayer Service
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 10, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Thursday December 11, 2014
Trinity Lutheran Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 10, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Prayer Service
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 10, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Thursday December 11, 2014
Trinity Lutheran Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Jamie Hess says
To a great family in the Miles City Area. You lost a wonderful man. I only knew him the few years I worked at Westfeeds but got to meet many family members. He left a wonderful legacy from behind!
GARY AND PAT HELM says
DEAR ONES, SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT ALFRED. HE WAS SUCH A NICE GUY AND SO HAPPY AND SEEMED TO ENJOY LIFE TO THEFULLEST. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND GIVE YOU PEACE AT THIS TIME OF SORROW. GARY , PAT AND FAMILY
Jessica Culver says
I’m so sorry to hear about Alfred’s passing. He was always such a delight to stop in and see while I was working at Friendship Villa. May you and your loved ones find peace and comfort this holiday season. <3
Rick & Dee Abbott says
Dear Eunice, Dennis, Charlotte, Larry and Dale and families;
We were saddened to learn of Alfred’s death. We have many good memories of his wit and wisdom….and his singular laugh. We pray that God grant you His sweet comfort during your time of grieving.
Ron & Maryjo Barnard says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Alfred touched many lives. We’ll always carry such great memories of him.
Sherry Oster says
To Alfred’s family;
So sorry to hear of your loss. I will always remember Alfred’s kind heart and joy for life. Thinking of and praying for you.
Sincerely,
Sherry Oster
Virginia & Duane Strohmayer says
To The Family of Alfred Hirsch;
So sorry to hear about Alfred. May beautiful memories light your way through this sad time.
Virginia Meidinger Strohmayer & Duane
Richard & Linda Meidinger says
So sorry to hear about Alfie. He was a wonderful man I learned a lot from Alfie about farming and farm life. He always had the nicest place in Kinsey. So well kept and good
crops. He always loved to visit. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. May he
rest in peace.
Would sure like to attend his service but we are in Arizona.
Linda & RIchard.
Dave and Pat Dagenhart says
I will truly miss him, he always made me laugh and always was a kick in the pants…what a precious person God received today. love you guys…dave and pat
Aaron Mollie Robert and Michael Phipps says
It matters not the age, but the people who were touched while you are on earch. Alfred truly touched the lives of many, and I will miss his witty comments, and his always tasteful jokes 😉 Hugs to each and every one of the Hirsch’s in this time of loss.
Cheryl Hirsch Kysar says
I’m so happy to read all your kind thoughts about my grandpa. He was a one of a kind, they broke the mold after he was made. He was everything you all speak of. .. He was funny, hard-working & had great wisdom. I loved going out to the farm as a kid, is was my sanctuary. Grandpa (Alfred) & grandma ( Eunice) always made you feel special & loved. God received a special angel on the fourth. Love eternal.♡
Dale & Cindy Berg says
What a special man Alfred was – he always could make you smile and had a twinkle in his eye. He has left behind quite a legacy and will be missed by many. God bless you all.
Megan Gilje says
Grandpa Hirsch will always hold a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I ever met him. He greeted me with a hug and immediately started telling me jokes. He had the biggest smile and the BEST sense of humor. Much love to you Dale, Barb, Tina, Todd & families. Grandpa earned his wings.
Gina Mader says
Dennis, Meredith and family:
I am so sorry for your loss. Please take comfort in knowing that grandpa is resting in the presence of the Lord.
Tanna Peterson Aye says
Eunice and family,
My heart is heavy with news of Alfreds passing. I first met him over 30 years ago and the
man had me in stitches from that day on. What stories he could tell. A very kind and considerate man. I know he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kistia & Steven Golie says
I am so sorry to hear of Alfreds passing. He was a wonderful man. With a great sense of humor . He always had a great joke for us when he visited our office. May God wrap his loving arms around each and everyone of you. May he give you all strength and comfort in the days to come.
Mary Ann Liles says
Dear Dennis, Meredith and family, Our prayers will be with you as you say farewell to your beloved father. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Jim & Mary Ann Liles
Jim &Cecile Certain says
Will always remember the barn dance at Kinsey. Many fun memories. May God surround you with His peace in your time of grief. Love to all, Jim & Cecile
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Chuck and Luann Pluhar says
Our sympathys and prayers are with all the Hirsh families. Alfred and Eunice bring back the early memories of life at Kinsey with my mom and dad, Ted and Mary Dalke. God bless you all.
Chuck and Luann (Dalke) Pluhar)
Ern and Esther Nelson says
God be with you all in the passing of your loved one ! But at last his journey is down on earth and now is home !, What a blessing and for you all to know this.. Our sympathy and prayers for God comfort.
Maureen Larson says
So sorry to hear of Alfred’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to all. May your memories comfort you during this difficult time.
Carlene Root says
I have been blessed to know Alfred all these years. He was a great guy. They were real good farmers at Kinsey. My prayers are with all of you. God bless you. Carlene Aastrom Root.
Toni, Rob and Lauren Tivy says
We are deeply sorry to hear about the death of Alfred. Growing up it was always a huge treat to go visit their Farm because Eunice was such a great cook and Alfred always teased us mercilessly (and of course we loved it!) Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer. We pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief
Marlys & Dan Healy says
RIP Uncle ALFRED, you will be missed . Thank you for some great memories. Our thoughts and prayers with the families.
Dee & Linda (Abbott) Black says
So very sorry to hear of Alfred’s passing. He will be missed by many! May God’s love comfort all of you during this time.
Deb Bartholomew says
Hirsch Family:
So sorry to hear of Alfred’s passing. He will be truly missed. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. Alfred was truly a Treasure. He was and always will be a Treasure in your hearts and will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Deb Bartholomew and Family
Tobi Johnson says
Dale, Barb, Tina, Todd and famlies,
I am so sorry to hear of Alfred’s passing. I will never forget him and the smile on his face the couple of times I would ride my old 3-wheeler down to his house and sing him happy birthday on our birthday. He always got a kick out of that! He was a wonderful man. Warm thoughts and prayers are being sent your way.
Lillian Ostendorf says
Hirsch family,
We are so sorry for your loss. What a great life he lived, may we all remember the many good times.
Our deep sympathies,
Tom and Lillian Ostendorf