Kenneth L. “Kenny” Hirsch

Kenneth “Kenny” Hirsch, age 58, was removed from his loved ones lives at home on March 2nd, 2014 after a heroic battle with lung disease/cancer with his wife by his side.

Kenneth Lee Hirsch was born on March 27, 1955 in Minot, ND to Oscar G. and Marian J. Hirsch. As a small child, he and family lived in Germany, New York, and Georgia before his father took an Army position in Grand Forks, ND. He attended his school years in Grand Forks and graduated in 1973 from Central High School. He returned to school and attended what was then called the EGF AVTI with a Welding Degree in 1980.

He worked various jobs in GF which included managing the 120 Club before moving to Oklahoma City and beginning his truck driving career in 1982. He was employed as a concrete driver by Dolese, Inc. in OKC and Porta-Mix Concrete in EGF after returning to GF. After the flood of ’97, he took a year off to assist with the damage and renovation of his home. When that was completed, he began working part-time at C&R Laundry driving the out-of-town routes as well as at Wal-Mart unloading trucks in the warehouse until his health began to decline and he started to receive disability in 2010.

He loved his family and the many close friends he had made over the years. He was very happy in his role as father to his daughters and especially proud when he was dubbed “Papa” by his two grandchildren. He loved to ride his Harley until his health made it too difficult and enjoyed “putzing” around the yard and house at his leisure. His friends and acquaintances number in the hundreds and he enjoyed his visits with each and every one of them.

He began dating his wife-to-be LoAnn Hull on January 1, 1978 and they married on January 9, 1985 in Las Vegas, NV. They had made their home in Oklahoma City from 1982 until 1987. They returned to Grand Forks to give birth to their first daughter, Kady Leigh in 1987. Their family was completed in 1991 with the arrival of Kelsey Joy.

He is survived by his wife LoAnn, his children Kady (Rico Harris) Hirsch and Kelsey Hirsch, his grandchildren Destiny Rose and Easton Kenneth Sime. Immediate family members include mother Marian, brother Roger (JoAnn) Hirsch, sister Susan Davidson, maternal uncles Theodore (Marlene) Willis and James (Ardy Langord) Willis, all of whom will mourn his passing. Also surviving him are his mother in-law and step-father in-law Lois and Richard Nordean, sisters-in-law Laurie (Brian Larson) Hull, Robin Flegal, Kelly (Guy) Balow, and Terri (Steven) Balaich. Extended step-family in-law survivors include Kathie (Rod) Kvasager, David (Susan) Kennedy, Deb (Kevin) Embury, Roxanne (Kevin) Baker, and Pam (Tim) Schwanz. Many cousins, nieces, and nephews are also left behind.

Preceding him in death were his father Oscar, paternal grandparents George and Annie Hirsch, maternal grandparents Theodore and Hilma Willis, uncles Edward Hirsch and Gary Willis, aunt Gloria (Willis) Olson, father in-law and step-mother in-law Myrton and Colleen Hull, step-brother in-law James “Jimmy” Kennedy, and many dearly beloved friends.


Visitation will be on Thursday, March 6, 2014 from 5 to 7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 South 42nd St., Grand Forks. Also for the hour before the service in the church.
Funeral services will be Friday, March 7, 2014 at 1:30 PM at University Lutheran Church, 2122 University Ave., Grand Forks.
Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in the spring.