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Nicholas R. Hirsch

August 7, 1936 - June 10, 2022
Visitation
St. Charles Catholic Church
313 Circle Drive
Hartland, WI 53029
Friday 6/24, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Cemetery
Memorial

The family asks that donations in lieu of flowers be made to The Gathering in Milwaukee, WI.

https://www.thegatheringwis.org/monetary-donations

Sign Guest Book Here
Mass
St. Charles Catholic Church
313 Circle Drive
Hartland, WI 53029
Friday 6/24, 2:00 pm

Colonel Nicholas R. Hirsch (USMCR Ret) Died peacefully at home with his family, on Friday, Jun 10, 2022, age 85. Beloved husband of Rita (neé Kostner), dear father of Lisa (Clint) Murray, Nicholas J. (Lisa) Hirsch, Regina Hirsch, and the late Christopher Hirsch. Cherished grandfather of Ian (Jennifer O’Brien) Martin, Connor Martin, Nicholas A. (Abby)Continue Reading

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Kristine & Brian Wiese left a message on June 23, 2022:
Aunt Rita and Family: Sending you our sincerest condolences. May the loving thoughts of family embrace you at this time. Uncle Nick will be missed.
Dave LaFontaine left a message on June 22, 2022:
Rita and Family, I am sad for your loss. Nick was a great guy. We always had a good conversation with him at our class 56 reunions
Jim&Jeanne Curtis left a message on June 21, 2022:
Our thoughts are with you Rita!! What a Special Man Nick was..
Michelle Miller left a message on June 20, 2022:
Hirsch family, I know through my friendship with Regina what a force of nature her dad is. He lives and breathes through you and your service to community. My heartfelt condolences as you transition as a family.
Jack Backstrom left a message on June 19, 2022:
My deepest condolences to the family.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Jean (Kaminski) Swinko left a message on June 18, 2022:
Nick, Lisa & Family Sending my thoughts & Prayers to you & your family thru this difficult time. You all are in my Prayers!
Gene G Krug left a message on June 17, 2022:
To Rita------Jim told me about Nick and his last visit with him, and I was sorry to hear also of his leaving this life. Although I had only a few times of getting together with you and Nick over the years, Nick has always been a favorite friend and will always be part of my fondest memories. When now reading his obituary I wonder how this man could do so much in one lifetime. You were lucky to have him for so many years. I am sure that it is most difficult for you and your family right now, but God picked this time to call Nick home , as he will for each of us at some point, and we trust that somehow it was the right time for him. This is the time when family is so important, and it looks like you have that . Gene
Kris Mason left a message on June 17, 2022:
You meant so much to my mother and me.
J R Jones left a message on June 17, 2022:
Nick and my “tours of duty” at Harley overlapped for a brief period, and we did not work together directly. Our disparate positions were me near the bottom, and Nick at the top of “Experimental Development”. I remember the first day I spotted Nick, across the vehicle assembly lab near the surface plate in discussion with a couple of engineers. In a sea of denim, black leather and boots, Nick stood out; being in his presence, the charisma was palpable. Just six years out of the Air Force my instincts to come to attention were triggered. It was apparent, Nick was not just Military, Nick was a Marine. Much later in the social gatherings of former Harley employees, I came to know Nick in a more personal sense, his charm was rare in my experience. I looked forward to his firm handshake and that riveting gaze that assured me, this is a man that understands and appreciates me. I discovered that we shared employment experience at Mercury Marine, where Nick was a favorite of the Old Man Carl Kiekhaefer. Nick told me of working in development, determining the power of Detroit’s largest engines and reporting directly to the Boss. The “Iron Fist” showed up at the dyno one day to find the (Hemi) test engine silent. “Who the hell is in charge here?” Nick was under the engine, correcting some malfunction. “I am, who is asking?” Carl looked down, and satisfied, stormed out. Carl respected hands-on guys. I do not know many men that live a life as full of experience and as personally rewarding as Nick’s. He is at the top of my list of acquaintances most missed. jim
Brick and Kathryn left a message on June 17, 2022:
Our hearts are open to share in your grievance for Nick's passing. We know he was a pillar of strength. May all of family be in peace as Nick moves to his next venture in spirit. Love, Brick Fevold and Kathryn Gonzalez. Bemidji MN
Joe and Cindy Peroceschi left a message on June 17, 2022:
To The Hirsch Family, Please accept our deepest sympathy in the passing of your wonderful Father, and Husband 😢. It was an honor to have met him. My our Lord God Jesus Christ comfort you all at this difficult time🙏❤️❤️🙏. God Bless All ❤️
Greg Kaiser left a message on June 16, 2022:
Very sorry to learn that Nick, your father has passed away. He and I spent years trying to create a mutually profitable sales arrangement between AED and several Chinese engine companies, here in Peoria, Milwaukee, China and Tokyo. We made good progress with the help of good friends at Japanese banks in Tokyo. We had some success, but not as much as we wanted. Still, your father learned much about PRC business operations, and I got a good introduction into AED high performance engines. Over the years we became good friends and talked on the phone every month about China, AED, the Marines and all the years I spent becoming a Chinese language/political specialist. Your dad asked me if I had any regrets, I said no. I asked him the same question about AED and the Marines, and he just laughed and said it was the best for a German farm boy from rural Wisconsin. He also said you are German, Kaiser, we just never give up! He was a very good friend, I will miss talking with him. God bless him. I am a Catholic, like Nick, and wish the best to you and your family. Greg Kaiser The Asia Group Peoria, IL
Kathleen Reikowski left a message on June 16, 2022:
Nick, I have always loved you You have a special place in my heart. I cherish my memories of you, and consider myself so lucky to have known you. Kathleen
Mark Fisher left a message on June 16, 2022:
Nick was a friend and mentor to me. His enthusiasm for the projects we worked on together and the love for the people in his orbit were worn on his sleeve for everyone to see. The good-natured twinkle in his eye was ever present. I will always remember him.
Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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