Joanne Hirt

September 7, 1935 — September 28, 2022

Joanne M. Hirt, 87, of Fremont, passed away at the Willows at Tiffin on September 28, 2022. She was born in Jackson Township, Ohio, on September 7, 1935, to William and Alice (Longanbach) Barto. Joanne was a 1953 graduate of Green Springs High School and earned a Bachelors in 1957 and Masters in Education in 1959 from BGSU. On September 25, 1959, she married Merle Hirt at Grace Lutheran Church in Fremont and he preceded her in death on August 14, 2015. Joanne was an elementary school teacher for 35 years at Lutz School and tutored at the detention center for 7 years until finally retiring in 1991. Over the course of her teaching career, she became a lifetime member of the NEA, FEA Teachers, the OEA, a recipient of the Jennings Scholar from 1973-1974 and the Beta Sigma Phi Woman of the Year in 1984. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School and was a member of the Bell Choir. Her nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and great-nephews are left with fond memories of visiting with Joanne and Merle for a week while attending Grace Lutheran Church’s Vacation Bible School over the summer. Joanne was also a Girl Scout Leader for 30 years where she was awarded the highest honor with the Thanks Badge. In her spare time, she danced with the Buttons & Bows Square Dance Club, played saxophone for the Green Springs Band, enjoyed playing tennis, and volunteered for numerous organizations.

Left to cherish her memory are her siblings, Allen “Gene” (Patricia) Barto of Tiffin, Larry (Marna) Barto of Davidson, NC, Doris Dull of Tiffin, Bonnie (Jerry) Hull of Tiffin, Debbie Barto of Fresno, CA, Becky (Pete) Berry of Green Springs. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Merle Hirt and brother-in-law, Bob Dull.

Visitation will be held Monday, October 3, 2022, from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Grace Lutheran Church, 705 W. State Street, Fremont, OH, 43420. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM at the church. Associate Lay Minister Maureen Pump will officiate. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memory Gardens in Clyde.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the church or to donor’s choice.

To express online condolences or to view Joanne’s Tribute Video, please visit: www.hermanfh.com.