Allo Coolman Funeral Homes

John "Angie" B. Hirn

Date of Death: January, 07 2013

John "Angie" B. Hirn, 85, Escanaba, passed away on Monday January 7, 2013 at his home in Escanaba. He was born on June 24, 1927 in Escanaba, the son of the late Frank and Lillian (Frechette) Hirn. On May 14, 1955 he married the former Margaret Voynovich at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Escanaba.

Angie served in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman 2nd Class. On many occasions, he remembered his shipmate from Chicago saying, "Boy, how big is Escanaba, everywhere you go you run into someone from Esky". He was very proud to have served in the U.S. Military. After his honorable discharge in 1946, he worked as a bus driver for the Escanaba School District and later as head of maintenance at Escanaba High School. So to all those who rode Angie's bus and made to sing songs and laugh, here is a big Honk Honk and sit down.

Angie had a wonderful personality and sense of humor which resulted in him having many great friends. His use of the English language was very unique to him, but his pronunciation of words added more color to his personality. When you met Angie, you quickly realized you had made a sincere friend. He played Eskymo football and always remained a true orange and black fan his entire life, or as he would say, "for elevendy - leven years". Angie was a Green Bay Packer fan and loved his Chicago Cubs, but was also the ultimate Notre Dame fan and loved the "Fighting Irish", for which he got his nickname: Angie, from Notre Dame half back: Angelo Bertelli.

He was a medal winning speed skater and played fast pitch softball for many years. He also loved to listen to music, especially a good Polka, Big Band Swing and of course any Big 10 fight song. As many would remember, he played the fight songs during half time at any Eskymo basketball games.

Angie loved his family, God, friends and the Class of 1945 and watching his children and grandchildren playing sports. He was a wonderful husband, dad, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and will be sadly missed.

He is survived by four children: Jeanne (Bryan) Berg, Jack (Connie Braseth) Hirn, Mike (Stella) Hirn and Peggy Vance, three brothers: Donald (Marie) Hirn, Jim (Lori) Hirn and Gary (Margie) Hirn, nine grandchildren: Bryan (Amy) Berg, Jenny Berg, Steve Berg, Chelsea Hirn, Jordyn Hirn, Haydn Hirn, Savanna Hirn, Bella Hirn and Shelbi Vance, one great-grandson: Colten Wied, his caregiver: Connie Hillesheim as well as many nieces and nephews.

Angie was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, five brothers: Robert, Frank, Peter, Clarence "Dugan", Daniel Hirn, three sisters: Clare Skanes, Mary Lark and Luella Patterson.

Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday January 13, 2013 at the Allo Coolman Funeral Home in Escanaba with parish prayers at 5:30 p.m. followed by Delta County Veterans Council rites. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday January 14, 2013 at St. Joseph & St. Patrick Parish with Fr. Eric Olson officiating. A luncheon will follow Mass in the church parish hall. Burial will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John Hirn's name and a memorial will be established.

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