Joyce R. Hirn

Joyce R. Hirn, 70, of Ridge Township, gracefully joined the Lord on July 1, 2013.  Joyce reunited with her beloved husband Dennis, and departed family and friends, on the1-year anniversary of the Celebration of Life of Dennis (July 1, 2012).  Dennis and Joyce first met in middle school, nearly sixty years ago.  Dennis passed on Christmas 2011, fifty years to the day after his engagement to Joyce (McCleery), on Christmas 1961.  Their son, Colby Lynn Hirn, of Van Wert and Columbus survives.

Joyce was born January 17, 1943, to the late Clifford and Florence (Ireland) McCleery at Van Wert County Hospital.

Joyce grew up working and playing on the McCleery family farm a few miles from Van Wert and cherished her rural farm heritage throughout her life. After going to Ridge Township School and Van-Del School, both in Van Wert County, Joyce attended Lincolnview High School. Joyce and Dennis (voted “cutest couple” by senior classmates) both graduated with the first senior class in the school’s history in 1961.  Joyce was a member of the National Honor Society, a majorette, and was active in many school clubs and activities. Joyce and Dennis married on August 24, 1963, at Bethel United Methodist Church.

Joyce attended The Ohio State University in Columbus (with Dennis), graduating in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in home economics education (Joyce student taught in Hilliard at the same building where son Colby teaches today). At Ohio State, Joyce was active in collegiate 4-H, Home Economics Club, and Kappa Phi Club (a service club for Methodist women). She was a supporter of the American Association of University Women.

After college graduation and acquisition of her professional teaching license, Joyce taught home economics and health in several public junior high and high schools in districts in northwest Ohio from 1966 to 1980 (including schools in Columbus Grove, Antwerp, Ohio City, and Fort Jennings).  In addition to teaching classes, she also served as an FHA (Future Homemakers of America) advisor and advised student nutrition standards for multiple school cafeterias.

Joyce continued her graduate work in education at the University of Toledo during her teaching career.  Joyce also worked as a social worker in the Van Wert Welfare Department from 1972 to 1975, notably coordinating the Van Wert Meals on Wheels program (advocating and providing for senior citizen nutrition) among other responsibilities. With the arrival of son Colby in 1981, Joyce’s focus shifted from public school teaching to full-time parenting and to the care of her parents and parents-in-law, Juliana “Dottie” and Vaughn Morgan of rural Venedocia — care that she lovingly provided for decades. In more recent years, Joyce served as an executive officer for CEMCO Corporation (the McCleery family farm in rural Van Wert).  She was an active manager of financial operations of both the McCleery farm and the Hirn/Morgan family farm near Venedocia.

Joyce was a loving wife, mother, and lifelong homemaker and volunteer of rural Van Wert County, living in the Perrysburg area part-time for several years as husband Dennis managed stores for J.C. Penney. Joyce was a lifelong, active 4-H’er, starting as a youth member (excelling particularly in sewing and in nutrition projects). This experience helped to inspire her teaching career in home economics education.  Joyce attended various 4-H camps in her youth (including 4-H Camp Palmer with Dennis).  Throughout adulthood, Joyce served on a variety of committees for the Van Wert County 4-H Council, focusing on the betterment of 4-H youth.  This volunteer work included project judging preparation, recognizing outstanding 4-H’ers and 4-H volunteers, raising funds to support 4-H programs, helping to initiate the Van Wert County 4-H Cloverbuds program (for 5- to 8-year olds), helping to create the Van Wert County 4-H Foundation, and helping to organize and lead activities commemorating the 100-year anniversary of 4-H in 2002 (culminating in celebration and displays at the Van Wert County Fair).

Outside of her lifetime of 4-H volunteer work, Joyce also served on multiple committees that supported the work of the Van Wert YWCA.  She was a member of the Ridge Progressive Club, served as a poll worker for the Van Wert County Board of Elections, supported the activities of the Van Wert County Historical Society, and (with Dennis) volunteered transportation, time, and care to senior citizens and those in need in Van Wert County.

Joyce was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church in rural Van Wert County, where she served as a past chairman of the children’s commission and nursery coordinator.  She was a Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, and Bread and Bowl volunteer.  She also served on the building committee, pastor-parish commission, and participated in United Methodist Women activities.  Joyce participated in Lakeside Methodist Conference activities, played church volleyball, and was a singer in multiple special music church choirs and ensembles in the community. Joyce was a legacy contributor to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio. In addition to her appreciation for music, the arts, and education (contributing to and volunteering for Lincolnview music programming, Lincolnview Band Boosters, and the Lincolnview Parent-Teacher Organization), Joyce was passionate about helping others, from caring for those in need locally to supporting international anti-poverty efforts.  Joyce enjoyed all forms of music, artistic design, bicycling, travel with family throughout North America, Europe, and Hawaii, and the study of history and international/domestic current events (inspiring her son’s teaching career in social studies and current academic pursuits).

Joyce loved to be outside and immersed in nature, particularly enjoying the peace and beauty of trees, flowers, and water in all forms. Joyce’s favorite activities ranged from walking and gardening around her pond with family and dogs, to biking at the Van Wert reservoir and Grand Lake St. Marys, to hiking by rivers and lakes at state and national parks, to swimming in oceans and enjoying the beauty of shorelines throughout her life.

Other survivors include sister Sharon (James) McConnell of Wellington, brother-in-law Karl “Dean” (Kathleen) Hirn of Lima, 13 McCleery, McConnell, and Hirn nephews and nieces, 23 great-nephews and nieces, and four great-great nephews and nieces.

A brother, Ronald (Joy) McCleery of Van Wert; and one brother-in-law, Janic (Pat) Hirn of Clarkston, Mich., are deceased.

On Sunday, August 25, one day after their 50th wedding anniversary, son Colby will host an informal social to share memories of the marriage of Joyce and Dennis Hirn. Family and friends are invited to participate and share their own memories. The social will be held in the basement of Bethel United Methodist Church following the 9:15 Sunday morning service (2493 Mendon Road in Van Wert).   

A Celebration of Life for Joyce will occur on Saturday, June 7, 2014, starting at 10 a.m., at Bethel United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Greg Wack officiating.  This will be followed by lunch, memories, pictures, and fellowship at the Hirn residence in Van Wert.  Joyce’s Celebration of Life will coincide with the weekend of the 2014 Van Wert Peony Festival – one of Joyce’s favorite events. 

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