Michael Hirth

Michael Hirth, 75, of Ackley, passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center, surrounded by his family. Funeral services were held 10:30 AM Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at the St. John’s United Church of Christ in Ackley. Following the service he was laid to rest at the Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation was held from from 5-7 PM on Monday, December 9 at the Woodley Funeral Home in Hampton. Woodley Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Mike and his family.

Mike was a dedicated farmer who took great pride in working the land on his family’s Century Farm. His commitment to the farm, his community, and his family were a testament to who he was.

Born on November 25, 1949 to Marvin Charles Hirth and Norma Jane Harned, Mike grew up with a love for both the farm and sports. He attended Ackley-Geneva Schools and graduated with the class of 1968. He then went on to attend Ellsworth Community College and the University of Northern Iowa, where he earned a degree in Physical Education in 1972. On June 5, 1981 he was united in marriage to Jean Heard.

Mikes passion for athletics was evident throughout his life, particularly in his love for baseball and softball, where he enjoyed competing and coaching Mitch and Jayni’s teams. He spoke fondly of his many years playing fastpitch with the Geneva Grain. He was a life-long fan of the New York Yankees and followed the UNI panthers, AGWSR athletics, and would watch any game that he could find on TV. He was a self-proclaimed ping pong champion and truly enjoyed all sports. Most of all he loved spending time with friends and family and a nice slow boat ride around Lake Cornelia.

Mike was a man of many talents. His warmth, generosity, and sense of humor made him a valued member of St. John’s United Church of Christ. He also spent many years as a member of the Franklin County Fair Board where, in recent years, he enjoyed taking his grandchildren to share in his love of the fair.

Mike will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his farm, and the many lives he touched. His legacy will live on through his children and grandchildren, whom he loved deeply.

Mike is survived by his special friend, Deb Fowler of Denver; children, Jayni (Caleb) Scott of Grundy Center, Iowa and Mitch (Michele) Hirth of Geneva, Iowa; step-children, Mike (Sara) Cockerham of Ames, Iowa and Jackie Grieves of Marshalltown, Iowa; grandchildren: Judson Scott, Colbie Scott, Lexi Hirth, and Noah Hirth, step-grandchildren: Elvis Calvert, Aryan Calvert, Ali Cockerham, Kegan Jass, Kanin Jass, Gage Grieves and 3 step-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Connie (Roger) Maifeld. He was joyfully reunited with his wife, Jean Hirth; his parents, Marvin and Jane Hirth; father and mother in-law, Carroll and Charlotte Heard, and other beloved friends and family.