Dennis Lynn Hirn

Dennis Lynn Hirn, 68, of Ridge Township, joyfully celebrated Christmas with his family and unexpectedly passed away December 25, 2011. It was 50 years after his betrothal to his wife, Joyce R. (McCleery) Hirn, who survives along with their son, Colby Lynn Hirn of Van Wert and Columbus.

Dennis was born March 25, 1943, at home in Spencerville to Juliana Louise “Dottie” (Miller) Hirn and Karl Englehart “Bud” Hirn, who died from World War II injuries. At the age of 6, Dennis moved to a rural Venedocia farm after his mother married E. Vaughn Morgan. Both are deceased.

Mr. Hirn was in the first graduating class of Lincolnview High School and attended The Ohio State University and Columbus Business University. The Hirns married August 24, 1963.

He was employed at the Lima J.C. Penney store for 10 years and later managed two J.C. Penney stores in Toledo. He served as women’s fashion merchandiser for the Detroit District, coordinating with the New York office, and as a personnel interviewer for the Eastern Region. Returning full-time to Van Wert, he joined the Winkle car dealership as sales manager and also general manager, and later Anchor Propane as office manager. In recent years, he worked with S.I. Distributing in sales and transportation, plus he assisted with the planting and harvesting on the family farm.

Hirn was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church in rural Van Wert County, where he served as administrative board chairman, worship chairman, financial secretary and Sunday school teacher, was on the church bowling and softball teams, was a member of the choir and a quartet; and was a lifetime soloist for area churches. He was a legacy contributor to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio. In addition to his singing and appreciation for vocal harmony, he was passionate throughout life about his study of vehicles, particularly classic cars, as well as traveling to state and national parks, bicycling and enjoying his pond and the local reservoir with his family and dogs.

Other survivors include brothers Janic Lee (Patricia) Hirn of Clarkston, Mich., and Karl Dean (Kathleen) Hirn of Lima, plus six Hirn nephews and their families: Donald (Judy) of Michigan, Brent (Lauren) of New York, Jeffrey (Stacey) of Florida, Darrin of Kentucky, Brandon and Bryan of Lima; and 10 great-nieces and nephews; and a sister-in-law, Sharon (James) McConnell of Wellington. A brother-in-law, Ronald (Joy) McCleery, survived him but is now deceased.

A sister, Judith M. Hirn; and a nephew, Justin Hirn, also preceded him in death.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 1, at Bethel United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Greg Wack officiating.

Calling hours are from 1-2 and 3-5 p.m. that day in the church social room.

Preferred memorials: Bethel UM Church or The Van Wert County Foundation, either for the Van Wert County Park District bike/walking trail, or the Hirn Community Music Fund.