1925 ~ 2014
Pleasant Grove, UT-Frank William Hirschi, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, August 13, 2014, due to the incidence of age.
He was born February 2, 1925, to William and Marianna Seiler Hirschi at Montpelier, Idaho, the fifth of seven children. His parents were Swiss immigrants and he was very proud of his Swiss heritage. At a young age he learned a strong work ethic as he farmed and ranched with his father in the Montpelier area. Choosing to forgo a farm deferment, he joined the U.S. Navy and served his country as a Radioman on the mine sweeper, USS Revenge during World War II. On November 26, 1946, he married his sweetheart, Carol Price, in the Salt Lake Temple. Frank and Carol teamed up for a busy and blessed eternal marriage and, at the time of his parting, they had been married 67 years. His formal education included a B.S degree in Agriculture, M.S., and Ed.D degree at Utah State University. He had a passion and talent for teaching-especially the youth. Frank loved people and found great satisfaction in a job well-done. He always enjoyed the opportunity to serve. Frank's priorities were his family and his faith. Schooling and employment took him and his family from Idaho, where he taught high school agriculture and later seminary; to Logan, Utah, to further his education; to Garden Grove, California, where he coordinated seminary and institute programs. In 1973 he moved his family to Centerville, Utah, where he worked in the CES central office. He also served in the Idaho State Legislature, representing Bear Lake County from 1960-1966. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had a great love for his Savior and for the scriptures. His service as a member of the church included: Bishop and counselor in the Stake Presidency in Montpelier, Idaho; member of the Melchizedek Priesthood General Committee and Patriarch in the Centerville, Utah South Stake. Frank and Carol served several missions together beginning with Frank being called as the first president of the Mississippi Jackson Mission; CES teaching assignment in the Study Abroad program in Israel; CES mission at BYU-Hawaii; MTC President in New Zealand; CES mission to Eastern Europe establishing the seminary and institute programs in missions in Russia, Ukraine, and Hungary. After their missions, Frank served as a sealer in the Bountiful LDS Temple and as Mayor of Centerville City from 1998-2002.
He is survived by his wife, Carol, and their three sons and three daughters: Craig (Elaine) Hirschi, Pocatello, Idaho; David (Pamela) Hirschi, Centerville, Utah; Carol Lyn (Steve) Pilkington, Kaysville, Utah; Scott (Dawna) Hirschi, Kaysville, Utah; Laura (Randy) Hayes, Rexburg, Idaho; Janet (Dan) Paxman, American Fork, Utah, as well as 17 grandsons, 17 granddaughters and 49 great-grandchildren.
Fond memories of Dad and "Gramps" include much time spent at the ranch, many hunting and fishing trips, getting caught in a "bear trap," playing "run my sheepy run," jitter-bug dancing, and many Swiss words and traditions taught in our home. His posterity was his pride and joy.
Surviving siblings include: Erma Louise Gantenbein and Betty (Darrell) Bienz. No doubt he had a wonderful reunion with his parents and siblings, Helen Stone, Mildred Tueller, Violet Bartschi Child and Melvin Hirschi.
There will be a viewing at Russon Brothers Mortuary, Tuesday, August 19, 2014, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held Aug. 20th at 11:00 a.m., in the Centerville Utah 3rd Ward Chapel, 900 South 400 East. There will be a viewing prior to the service at 9:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the general missionary fund of the LDS Church.
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Published in Deseret News from Aug. 16 to Aug. 17, 2014
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