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Aug 07, 2023

Robert Hirschenberger

In Memory of Robert To follow Robert's story, enter your email. You will receive email notifications when changes are made to the online memorial, including when family and friends post to the

In Memory of Robert

To follow Robert's story, enter your email.

You will receive email notifications when changes are made to the online memorial, including when family and friends post to the Guestbook.

Robert Werner Hirschenberger, died peacefully on August 19, 2023, at the age of 89, surrounded by loved ones in Traverse City, Michigan. Bob was born on December 12, 1933, in Flint, Michigan to the late Michael and Gertrude (Buchin) Hirschenberger. Bob or "Hirsch" as he was commonly known, spent his childhood in the Flint area, and graduated from Dye High School where he lettered and excelled in four sports. Following high school, he attended GMI Institute and started to work at AC Sparkplug in the drafting department. In 1954 he was drafted into the US Army, and within two weeks, was sent to Camp Chaffee Arkansas for basic training then deployed to Baumholder, Germany for two years. While in Germany, he travelled to many historic sites and countries including France, England, Italy, and Switzerland with his close ARMY friends. After his honorable discharge Bob attended Central Michigan University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education and a Master of Arts degree. In the Fall of 1958, he met Shirley Vernon, "the love of his life". They married on September 5, 1959, in Flushing, MI. He played football and baseball for CMU and was a TKE fraternity member. Bob started his teaching career in 1960 for the Sault Area Public Schools and quickly had an impact on his students teaching them vocational skills, but also mentoring them in life. He treated his students and colleagues with respect and care. He was known for his excellent draftsman handwriting and sharp dress. Following his retirement in 1990, he would often hear from former students about his impact on them. In his early teaching years, he coached football and basketball and thus began a lifelong love of high school sports. Bob was the epitome of a gentleman and would always offer help to others. He took pride in remodeling the family home on the upper St. Mary's River where he enjoyed watching freighters, fishing, working in the yard, softball, horseshoes, and bowling. He was a loving father, grandfather and husband, and a great role model to his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his brother Ed (Nancy) Hirschenberger; son Rob Hirschenberger, and daughters Julie (Kevin) Ringwelski and Wendy Hirschenberger; and grandchildren Scott, Kyle, and Eric Ringwelski. He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley and sister Irene Coburn. Bob maintained his gentle demeanor and showed appreciation to everyone who cared for him. The family would like to thank the staff at Orchard Creek Supportive Care, Hospice of Michigan and the loved ones who continued to reach out to him. An informal gathering will be held 1 pm to 3pm, Friday, September 15, 2023, at Life Story Funeral Home, Traverse City. Military Honors will be performed at 3pm with a Celebration of Life Service to follow until 4pm. To honor Bob's love of cookies, a cookie reception will take place. Memorial donations may be made for a remembrance bench along the TART trail. Please ensure "Hirschenberger Memory Bench" is noted on the check or on the online form. https://traversetrails.org/give/donate/ or checks may be brought to the Celebration of Life Service or sent to: TART Trails, Inc. PO Box 252 Traverse City, MI 49685 Please visit lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts, to read his Life Story and more.

Honor with Flowers

In Memory of RobertWhen is the ordering deadline?

Plant a Living Memorial

In Memory of RobertHow does it work?

Send Flowers: When Is the Ordering Deadline?

ANY DAY OF THE WEEK

Order any time up till the day before

MON-FRI Order by 2:00PM

SAT & SUN Order by noon

TUES-SAT Order by 3:00PMThe day before

SAT & SUN Order by Saturday

Note: These are general guidelines; some florists may not be able to operate within these timelines. During peak periods such as Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day and most holidays, florists are not always able to keep up to demand. Tribute will contact you if there are any issues.

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Send Flowers: When Is the Ordering Deadline?

ANY DAY OF THE WEEK

Order any time up till the day before

MON-FRI Order by 2:00PM

SAT & SUN Order by noon

TUES-SAT Order by 3:00PMThe day before

SAT & SUN Order by Saturday

Note: These are general guidelines; some florists may not be able to operate within these timelines. During peak periods such as Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day and most holidays, florists are not always able to keep up to demand. Tribute will contact you if there are any issues.

Honor with Flowers

In Memory of RobertWhen is the ordering deadline?

Plant a Living Memorial

In Memory of RobertHow does it work?

In Memory of Robert

When your purchase is complete, a post will be made on the tribute wall of the deceased signifying the planting of a memorial tree.

An official certificate recognizing your purchase will be included with your email receipt. You can then forward the email to the family or print it and give it to them personally.

After an order is placed, our forestry partners will plant the tree in the area of greatest need (nearest the funeral home), according to the planting schedule for the year.

Due to seasonal conditions, the tree planting takes place during the spring and summer.

Orders placed in:

Planting will take place in Spring or Summer of the same year.

Planting will take place in Spring of the following year.

In Memory of Robert

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