Eunice Laverne (Wilson) Hirsch passed away peacefully on January 20, 2019 at the Friendship Villa Extended Care Facility in Miles City, MT. Eunice was the last of 7 children of Leonard and Grace {Printz) Wilson and the only surviving daughter. She often referred to herself as the most spoiled as she was 9 years younger than her closest brother and 23 years younger than her oldest brother.
Born on September 26, 1920 at Darcy Hospital in Miles City, MT, Eunice weighed in at 10 lbs. She was raised on the family homestead 40 miles north of Miles City in Angela, MT, where her father raised horses and grain. While temporarily living in town, nursing her sick brother Ward, the Wilson homestead burned to the ground on December 30, 1926. The family then moved in with her brother Gordon and his family before finding another house to live in. At age 8 (1928), her father purchased the first Model A car in the area, which she helped drive to both Wisconsin and Washington to visit family. She wrote that her folks would have liked to have stayed in Wisconsin, but she cried for 30 days until they eventually gave in and returned to the homestead. Her parents joked that they should’ve named her Montana! She had fond memories of her father whom she never recalls as ever raising his voice and even walking with her to school on cold Montana winter days. Her mother was less agreeable, according to her, and was willing to discipline when necessary. She attended school in both Wisconsin and Washington during their family vacation in 1928 before returning to Montana in 1929. She continued her schooling in Eastern Montana at the Angela country school, the grade schools in Miles City, and Custer County District High School. With her lifelong friends June Baker and Theresa (Tess) Anderson, she attended Beauty School following her high school days. Soon after, dancing at the Rock Springs Picnic, she was swept off her feet by Alfred Hirsch. They were married on December 11, 1938 and they danced together for 75 years. She was awarded the Best Dancer Trophy at the Friendship Villa and even when she could no longer dance, she would wiggle her toes to the beat of the music.
Eunice raised her five children and supported her husband Alfred in all his business endeavors. Alfred and Eunice’s brother, Lloyd Wilson, owned the Garbage Service in Miles City from 1941-1948. Along with her sister-in-law, Gladys Wilson, she managed the books and billing for the garbage business. In 1948 Alfred and Eunice decided to take up farming as a primary occupation, first settling south of Miles City before moving to Kinsey in 1949. She directly supported the farm by selling eggs, milk, cream, and garden produce and helped with any other farm necessities where needed. She was active in her community where she helped with the Kinsey Fair, Kinsey Homemakers Club, was an aide at the Kinsey School, and an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles City.
The Hirsch’s were always happy to help others in times of need. Alfreds brother Elmer came to live with Alfred and Eunice at age 15 when his mother, Anna (Redman) Hirsch, passed in 1951. Eunice also cared for her elderly Mother until she passed in 1965.
The door was always open, and coffee was always on for family and friends at the Hirsch household. They had a well known coffee club that would meet each morning at the farm and she loved getting to visit with all their friends and neighbors in her community. She doted on her children and grandchildren who all got to enjoy many home cooked meals and each grandchild received a hand crocheted afghan.
Eunice is survived by her five children: Daughter, Charlotte Erlenbusch; Sons: Lyle, Dennis (Meredith), Larry (Peggy), and Dale (Barbara); 18 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; 22 great-great grandchildren, and 2 great-great-great grandchildren; brother-in-law Elmer Hirsch; sister-in-law’s Ruby Fields and Gertrude Fisher, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by Her parents; her loving husband Alfred; her granddaughter Kathy (Beauchot) Lankford; her brothers Rhue, Lloyd (Gladys), Gordon (Ada), Spencer (Millie), and Ward Wilson, an infant sister, Inez; daughter-in-law Patricia Hirsch; son-in-law Harold Erlenbusch; brother-in-law’s Edwin (Hilda) Hirsch, Ted (Ruth) Hirsch, George Fields, and Bob Fisher, and her sister in law’s Edna (Albert) Schmidt, Hilda (Emile) Fiechtner, Martha (Boyd) Finch, Ruth (Park) Thomas, and Marge Hirsch.
Eunice was small in stature, but she made up for it in vitality. We will miss her smile and the gleam in her eye.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 31, 2019 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 1, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 31, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday February 1, 2019
Trinity Lutheran Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 31, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday February 1, 2019
Trinity Lutheran Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Mary says
To the family, my heartfelt condolences for your loss. Please find comfort in the knowledge that God promises to put an end to all the things that have plagued mankind for centuries including pain, suffering and death (Revelation 21:3,4). May these promises from God give you comfort now and real hope for the future. My deepest sympathy.
Jim & Cathy Bastian says
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Our hearts are with you as you go through this difficult time. May the Lord give you much comfort in the days ahead. Our deepest sympathy.
Rick & Dee Abbott says
To all members of Eunice’s family…. especially our girls…. Know that we are praying for you – that God will give you comfort, peace and solace. You have our deepest sympathy.
Pat and Sandy Anderson says
We’re so sorry to hear of Eunice’s passing. Will keep you all in our prayers. The Anderson Family
Keith and Cheryl says
Our thoughts are with you on the passing of Eunice,such a wonderful soul.
gary and pat helm says
our prayers are going out to all her family, she was the sweetest lady I have known, keep all your memories close to your hearts, god bless you all. the gary helm families
Jane Viall says
I’m certainly thinkng of all of you. I love you guys. “Grandma Hirsch” is finally out of this life and in her new home . . . however, the final letting go here is still so sad. I am praying for all of you.
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
My thoughts and prayer to the Hirsch family.
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
Dale Barb, and families,
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. Cherish all the wonderful memories she made in her long life. Thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless!
Glen and Teena Bollinger
Cindy & Dale Berg says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel.
God bless you all.
Teal Dobie says
My heart sank when I learned of Eunice’s passing. I hope you are resting in peace now Eunice!! Up there dancing away with Alfred! I enjoyed my time with the both of you when I worked at the Villa. Fly high beautiful, sweet lady♡ You’ll be truely missed! My thoughts go out to all of Eunice’s family♡
Mary Beth Kibler says
I’ve been thinking a lot of Eunice, Alfred, Ted & Ruth the last few days and the spirits of the people of their generation. They all worked hard, had wonderful senses of humor and when they played they enjoyed themselves immensely. They were just the salt of the earth, ready to lift up anyone who needed support & generous to a fault. They lived through the ‘dirty 30’s’ and learned conservative values through that, but you could always expect a good meal from their table and the ladies of that generation could stretch a meal for 2 into one for 6 in a matter of minutes and never bat an eye and it was DELICIOUS! I remember the get togethers they had when I was a kid and Eunice & Alfred dancing..they could really ‘cut a rug’. Alfred was always so funny and Eunice I remember as a quiet, gentle woman, but always remember them as a couple..you can’t think of one without thinking of the other. I believe Heaven is a rocking’ with the reunion they are enjoying and while we miss them here on earth, they left a powerful message to us to try to live our lives similar to the way they lived theirs. RIP Eunice and May God comfort your family.
Williams Family says
The death of your loved one is the most devastating experience your family will face. At times, the pain of the loss will feel unbearable. Please know that there are friends who care about you and your family during this difficult time and more importantly Psalm 34:18 tells us that “God is near to those that are broken at heart. We pray that Jehovah the God of all comfort is with your family during this difficult time of grief.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
To all of Eunices family-
My sincere sympathy in the loss of your sweet Mother, Grandmother & Great Grandmother.
Her kind & loving nature will always be remembered by those who knew her.
Megan Gilje says
Dear Dale, Barb, Tina, Todd & Families:
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of loss. Grandma Hirsch was a gem. I enjoyed my visits with her when Tina and I would stop by to see her and grandpa. Sending you my love and praying for God’s peace and comfort in the days and months ahead.
Sincerely,
Megan (Matthews) Gilje
Lynn Strobel says
We are sorry hear of the passing of Eunice. She was such a nice lady. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Lynn and Judy
Linda Hodgson says
RIP sweet Eunice. So glad I got to know both you and Alfred. Thoughts and prayers for the families.
Lori Campbell says
Sorry to hear about Eunice, I remember her as a very kind lady who always had time to visit with you
Carol hirscj says
Larry, Peggy, Dennis Mary, and Charlotte,
I am so sorry for your loss. I love Eunice like my own grandma. Here and I shared some good times for those two years I helped them out. I miss Alfred so much, now he and Eunice are reunited. I love you all so much and will keep you in my prayers.
Carol hirsch says
Larry, Peggy, Dennis Mary, and Charlotte, Dale and Barb
I am so sorry for your loss. I love Eunice like my own grandma. Here and I shared some good times for those two years I helped them out. I miss Alfred so much, now he and Eunice are reunited. I love you all so much and will keep you in my prayers.
Donnie and Patty Herzog says
To my first cousins and families:
Thank you for sharing Aunt Eunice’s obituary in detail there were many items and history I didn’t know.
Remembering Eunice, she was a very mild and mellow person I especially liked her glimmer in her eyes and her half smile/smirk when Uncle Alfred would say something not made for mixed company, which was fairly often, not agreeing with the statement or joke Eunice would give the look and smirk and mutter Alfred’s name but did not get upset, she was a laid back person.
RIP Aunt Eunice
Carol Larson says
Larry and Peggy –
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have you in my prayers.
Linda and Richard says
Sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in out thoughts and prayers.
May she rest in peace.
Ern and Esther says
God be with you all and know our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time . May God’s Comfort and love be with you.
Delphine Coon says
Sorry to hear of the loss of your Momma. They hold a special place in your heart. Prayers,
Delphine
wanda richardson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of sorrow. She will be welcomed with open arms at the Gates of Heaven.
THE GAVILON GROUP
Shorty & Judy says
Praying God to give you all the Strength now and in the days to come RIP
Carlene Root says
To the family of Eunice Hirsch, I am sorry to hear of the loss of Eunice. Your families are in my thoughts and prayers. Carlene Aastrom Root.
Marlys(Pixie) and Dan Healy says
Aunt Eunice was the “Heart” of the Hirsch Family. Always a joy and she could remember everyone’s name(and there are lots of us) RIP and keep dancing..
Erin O'Connor says
My deepest sympathies to all of Eunice’s family. I feel fortunate that I was able to know Eunice and always enjoyed visiting with her and Alfred. Eunice was small in stature but big in spunk, and I so enjoyed that about her. She had a knack for delivering her thoughts or opinion in a quiet, poignant (and sometimes humorous!) manner. When she talked, you wanted to make sure you were listening as she always had something meaningful to say.
May your memories of her and a life well-lived bring you peace in the days ahead.
Nora Drew says
I didn’t know her personally, but what a lifetime heritage. My heartfelt condolences to all of her family and friends.
Gloria King says
So sorry to hear of Aunt Eunice’s passing. I have so many fond memories of her from my growing up years. Please, one or all of you, email me. I have been doing family genealogy most of my life, and would love to talk to you about our family history. It’s been so many years since we’ve been in touch, and nothing would please me more to share / exchange some of our family history…there is information here that I didn’t know about our family. She and my mom were close growing up, since there was only 3 years between them.
Once again, sorry for the loss of Aunt Eunice – she was always so special!