George E. Hirsbrunner, age 82 of Darlington, passed away Sunday, June 12, 2016 at Select Specialty Hospital in Madison due to complications from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born Nov. 9, 1933 in the family farmhouse in Lafayette County, the son of Edward and Louise (Stauffacher) Hirsbrunner. George graduated from Darlington High School in 1952. He was united in marriage to Shirley Jean Wonders on Dec. 29, 1962 at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Darlington. George lived in the Darlington area where he and Shirley farmed their entire lives. Following his retirement, he began working for the Darlington School District as a playground supervisor; a job that quickly became his favorite. George also volunteered as a driver for Lafayette County Social Services.
George is survived by two children: Ellen (special friend: Mike Burlison) Kruser of Cuba City and David (Cory) Hirsbrunner of Monroe; four grandchildren: Joey and Danielle Kruser and Jake and Jordan Hirsbrunner; two sisters: Jody Deery of Rockford, Ill. and Ruthie Hirsbrunner of Darlington; one sister-in-law: Geri Hirsbrunner of Darlington; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley in 1994; one brother: John Hirsbrunner; and one daughter: Alice Hirsbrunner in infancy.
George was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ in Darlington where he was baptized, confirmed, married, taught Sunday School, and served on the church council. He was a proud member of Bates-O’Brien-Howe-Wiegel-Roelli American Legion Post #214 of Darlington, the American Red Cross, and Lafayette County Historical Society where he was past president. George served in the U.S. Army from September of 1955 until his honorable discharge in July of 1957. He was an avid fan of all sports, especially the ones in which his grandchildren were involved. George was an active member of the Darlington community and enjoyed delivering meals-on-wheels. George was a “gentle giant” with a heart of gold and a tear in his eye that touched the lives of many. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, June 16, 2016 at Immanuel United Church of Christ (339 E. Louisa Street, Darlington) with Rev. Larry Balleine officiating. Burial will be in Union Grove Cemetery where military gravesides rites will be accorded by Bates-O’Brien-Howe-Wiegel-Roelli American Legion Post #214 of Darlington. A visitation was held Wednesday, June 15, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Immanuel United Church of Christ and on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
For those who prefer, memorials may be given to the family of George Hirsbrunner to be used towards a George Hirsbrunner Scholarship at Darlington High School.
George Hirsbrunner
1933 - 2016