Loren Hirsch

OBITUARY and CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF LOREN HERMAN HIRSCH Loren Hirsch was born at home on a farm north of Merna on October 30, 1926 to Hulda Nitz Hirsch and Arthur Herman Hirsch. He attended rural schools and graduated from Merna High School with the class of 1945. After graduation, he was involved with his father in the operation of the family farm. Both farming and cattle feeding were his life and his knowledge of cattle was valued highly by his buyers at the Omaha Stockyards. One of the first irrigation wells in the area was on the Hirsch farm. Loren was always increasing his knowledge of what would best benefit the Hirsch operation which continued to enlarge, grow and expand. With his interest and total commitment to agriculture, he served for over 24 years as a Director on the Farmland Cooperative Board in Sargent. He was an honored seed corn dealer for over 30 years. At the time of the war still raging he and several of his farmer friends enlisted in the Navy Air Reserve Unit stationed in Lincoln. He spent seven years with this unit. Loren and his brother, Harlan, were founding members of the Men’s Choral group known across the state as the Custer Choristers. The choristers were in demand for programs throughout the country. He became acquainted with the Chorister accompanist, Chard Kennedy and after several years of thoughtful consideration, they were married on December 27, 1957. Their son, Matt, was born on January 14, 1959. Matt, after high school, graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a combined degree in Agronomy, Horticulture and Entomology. Loren referred to Matt as his “Dirt, Bug and Weed” man. After graduation, Matt returned home and joined Loren in the operation of the family farm. On January 14, 1994, Loren suffered a life-threatening accident on the farm. He spent many weeks into months in some form of recovery. Nine surgeries in a few months left him physically spent and with the complication of open heart surgery in 2000, the only option was total retirement. In 2004, the Hirsch family moved to Broken Bow where Loren, without complaints, adjusted to a very sedentary life. During his younger years he was very active in the Lutheran church and several years later he joined his family, Chard and Matt, and became a confirmed Episcopalian. He served that church as a Vestryman, Choir member, Lay Leader and all around “jack of all trades”. Although confined primarily to his home, he continued his interest and concern in the Episcopal church. Loren served on the Airport Authority for the city of Broken Bow during the storm that almost destroyed the airport. The Authority quickly gathered information and with many meetings and discussions, the airport was restored and enlarged. Loren was on the Board until his return to the farm home after living inn Broken Bow for numerous years. He was an avid pilot — flying was his passion — almost more than a new tractor. He loved flying over the Sandhills and never tired of taking any passengers he could find on his many “excursions”. Sometimes these ventures were more “interesting” than structured. By appointment from the Governor, Loren served on the Nebraska State Railroad Commission. He often said that he learned more than he contributed, but the time spent was worth the effort. Several farmers and cattle feeders developed a group called the Custer Feeders and Breeders Association. Loren was on the first Board of Directors and did his turn as President. Loren loved music, loved to sing and enjoyed listening to all kinds of music (even some classical). He spent many years singing with a Merna quartet and their appearances were many. He also loved to read—almost anything—sometimes the breakfast food box! He became a great “friend” and “ruler” of the remote control, as TV filled many of his hours, both day and night. Reading and TV proved very beneficial to his recovery and became a solace for long hours of inactivity. Loren leaves his wife, Chard, his son Matt, brother Eldon Hirsch and sister, Lorraine G’Schwind and a host of relatives, cousins and many friends and of course, his soulmate, his dog—Josey. Memorial services for Loren H. Hirsch will be held Wednesday April 28 , 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at Govier Bros. Mortuary in Broken Bow with Father Kay Knudson and Mary Jane Gockley officiating. Govier Bros. Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the family in lieu of flowers. Monies will be forwarded to Loren’s suggested charities.