Merle J. Hirt

Merle J. Hirt, 84, of Fremont passed away unexpectedly at the Fremont ProMedica Memorial Hospital on Friday, Aug. 14, 2015. He was born on July 24, 1931 in Riley Twp. to the late Clarence and Christina (Zilles) Hirt. Merle was the 1949 Valedictorian at Fremont Ross High School and served his Country in the Air Force during the Korea conflict, based in Tague, Korea and Colorado Springs from 1950 to 1954. Merle was the assistant to the Head Chaplin the 5th Air Force during the Korean Conflict. On Sept. 25, 1959 he married his sweetheart Joanne Barto at Grace Lutheran Church where they continued their worship. At Grace, Merle operated the sound system and was the Eucharist assistant for over 50 years. He worked for the Fremont Airport for 19 years where he learned to be a pilot.He also was a caravan driver for Memorial Hospital for 18 years. After retirement he volunteered for the hospital and continued his caring nature by also being a longtime blood donor for the American Red Cross. He was a member of the Buttons & Bows Square Dance Club and Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association. Merle will be remembered also for driving the family antique tractor in all the Fremont parades for many years. Surviving are his wife, Joanne; and many nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his siblings Carl and Lyle Hirt and Gladys Billman. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015, 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the Herman-Kinn-Karlovetz Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Fremont. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015, 10 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, Fremont, where his body will lie in state beginning at 9 a.m. Rev. Jody Rice will officiate. Burial with Military Rites will follow at Green Lawn Memory Gardens, Clyde. Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church or to the donor's choice.