Alan Hirsch

Alan John Hirsch, 80, of Topeka, KS, and formerly of Medford, WI, passed away at his home on Sunday, November 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, WI, on September 12, 1929, to Vincent and Annie (McDonell) Hirsch. The youngest of 6 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, WI. He attended St. Johns University and graduated St. Thomas University in St. Paul, MN, with a BS degree in math and physics in 1952. He began his career as a polymer chemist with Doughboy Industries in New Richmond, WI. 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, Philadelphia, PA.
In 1996 Alan and Phyllis retired to Scottsdale, AZ, and enjoyed three years of desert sunshine before moving back to Wisconsin after forty years away. In 2004 Alan was inducted into the Medford Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2005 they moved to Topeka, KS, 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; and grandson, Benjamin Booth; five siblings: Sister Flora Ann Hirsch, of Maryknoll, NY; Mary (Stan) Schuerman of Mesa, AZ, James (Brigetta) Hirsch of Sequim, WA, formerly of Hudson, WI, Donell Hirsch and Marjorie (Ray) Lange, both of Medford, WI.
Alan is survived by his wife of 61 years; nine children: Jeannine Anderson of Portsmouth, VA; Vicki (Larry) Booth of Chapel Hill, NC; Kristin (Michael) Sherrill of Concord, NC; Vincent (Linda) Hirsch of Boulder, CO; Edward (Kimberly) Hirsch of Topeka, KS; Lisa (Alan) Garceau of Norwood, CO; Tricia Lorie of Honolulu, HI; Alison (Tony) Gordon of Plover, WI; and Charlton (Monique) Hirsch of Singapore; 31 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 13 first cousins, numerous nieces, 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, WI. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care Hospice Services, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, Kansas 66606 or Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 3601 SW 17th, Topeka, Kansas 66604.
Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, Topeka, KS and Hemer Funeral Service, Medford, WI. are assisting the family.