Karl A. Hirzel Jr.

Karl A. Hirzel Jr., surrounded by his loving family, passed away on Wednesday, April 5, 2006, at St. Vincent's Mercy Medical Center. Karl was born in Toledo, Ohio, on June 3, 1936, to Karl A. and Rosalie (Elsperman) Hirzel. He graduated from Olney High School in 1954. Karl attended The Ohio State University where he became a very active member of the men's fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho. He graduated with a B. S. degree in Horticulture in 1958.
Karl grew up involved in all aspects of Hirzel Canning Company, the family owned business that his grandfather founded in 1923. He served as president of the company from 1976-2005. Under his leadership while also managing the sales duties, the company grew to become a well-recognized and highly respected processor of quality tomato products and sauerkraut. Karl's pride in his family, the company and his sense of values earned him respect both within the company and throughout the industry. He welcomed industry, educational groups and numerous competitors to visit and tour the Hirzel facilities and was always willing to share his knowledge and learn from others.
He was involved in the leadership of the food industry as well. He was elected as a director of the Ohio Canners Association and became its president in 1968. He was chosen as a director of the National Food Processors Association (NFPA) and served as its chairman from 1994-95. He also served on numerous committees both in the Ohio Association and NFPA. He also sat on the Board of Directors of Diehl Inc., of Defiance, Ohio for several years.
In 1992, the County Commissioners appointed Karl as chairman of the Wood County Solid Waste Committee. He was then later appointed to the County Water Sewer District of which he was chairman for 3 years. Karl believed very strongly in education and in giving back to the community. He was a School Board president and member for 20 years in the Northwood School District. For several years he was active as a leader for Junior Achievement. He was also a staunch supporter of Penta County Vocational High School. He participated on the fundraising committee for the Ohio State University Department of Food Science and Technology to enlarge the facilities of that department. In addition, he served on the Advisory Board for University of Toledo Center for Family Business.
Karl received many awards, citations, and certificates of appreciation from The Ohio State University, The Ohio Canners Association, The Ohio Vegetable Growers, and The Ohio School Board Association. He was presented with the Spirit of Wood County citizenship award in 1994. In 2000, he received the prestigious Fritz Friday Leadership Award which is a national honor presented by his peers in the food processing industry.
As he allowed himself more time in his later years, he became further involved in his church, St. Johns UCC in Genoa. He refinished all of the crosses hanging from the outside of the church and built others used in the sanctuary. Karl could also be found working in the woods of his farm in Stony Ridge, OH, or in his garden, in which he spent many hours. He had several other hobbies, including woodworking, golfing and tinkering with his Model A.
Karl was very proud of his Swiss heritage and was involved in the Toledo Swiss Singers for over 50 years. He served as the president of the group and was most recently serving as chairman hosting the North American Swiss Singing Alliance Saengerfest, which is being held in Toledo, OH in June of 2006 at the Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle.
He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; as well as children, Heidi (Rick) Kopec, Karl (Lynne), Eric (Amy), and Steve (Ann). Also surviving are his sisters, Marilyn (Lou) Kozma, Rosalie Moore, and brothers, Joe and William. He was preceded in death by his parents and youngest brother, John (Liza). He also dearly loved and will be missed by his 12 grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 11 at 11:00 am. at St. Johns United Church of Christ in Genoa, OH. Lunch and celebration of his life will immediately follow the service at the GAF Hall, Oak Shade Grove, on Seaman Rd. in Oregon until 4:00 p.m.
The family asks that Memorial gifts be sent in lieu of flowers to the Karl and Rosalie Hirzel Education Fund at Penta County Vocational School, the Dardinger Cancer Research Center at the James Cancer Center at the Ohio State University or the Karl A. Hirzel Educational foundation at Ohio State.
Arrangements by Eggleston Meinert Pavley Funeral Home.
www.egglestonmeinert.com