Harold W. Kirsch 1914-2002

KIRSCH BECKER MICHAELSEN

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 7/13/2011 at 16:58:27

Sioux City Journal
17 February 2002

HORNICK, Iowa -- Harold W. Kirsch, 87, of Hornick died Thursday, Feb. 14, 2002, at a Sioux City hospital following a brief illness.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at United Methodist Church of Hornick with the Rev. Carolyn Bitner officiating. Burial will be in Willow Township Cemetery in Holly Springs, Iowa. Visitation will be 2 to 6 p.m. today at Christy-Smith Morningside Chapel in Sioux City.

Mr. Kirsch was born Nov. 23, 1914, in Hornick, the son of George Albert and Barbara (Becker) Kirsch. He grew up in the Hornick area and graduated from Hornick High School in 1932. He farmed until entering the U.S. Army on March 3, 1941. He served with the 1st Armored Division as a radio operator and was stationed in Northern Ireland, England, and was involved with the invasion of Northern Africa. He also fought in the Italian Campaign until he was wounded at Anzio. He was honorably discharged June 23, 1945.

He married Phyllis Marie Michaelsen on June 7, 1946, at Smithland, Iowa. They farmed until retiring in 1979 due to ill health, but continued to live on their farm.

He was a member of United Methodist Church of Hornick. He was very proud of his grandchildren and his military service. He enjoyed photography, reading, crossword puzzles, playing cards and was an avid Hawkeye fan.

Survivors include his wife of South Sioux City; two daughters and their husbands, Sharyn Ann and Doug Cook of Havelock, Iowa, and Sandi Jo and Terry Gilligan of South Sioux City; a brother, Francis Kirsch of Hornick; two sisters, Lillian and her husband, Robert Levitt of Seattle, Wash., and Elsie Yokubaitis of Omaha; four grandchildren, Brad and Angie Cook of Plover, Iowa, Andi Lynn Cook of Havelock, and Jason Gilligan of Boulder, Colo.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister-in-law, Pauline Kirsch; and a brother-in-law, Vincent Yokubaitis.

Pallbearers will be Andi Lynn, Angie, Brad and Doug Cook, Jason and Terry Gilligan, Franklin Kirsch and Stephen Yokubaitis.