Helmut Hirch

March 17, 1936 ~ June 3, 2023

Helmut (Joe) Hirch passed away at the Bow Island Health Centre on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at the age of 87 years. He immigrated with his family to Canada in 1951, arriving in Lethbridge, Alberta. Along with his family, Helmut began his life in Canada under contract with the Canadian Lutheran World Relief to hoe sugar beets for two years. He had multiple jobs in his youth while helping his family who farmed first near Broxburn and then Etzikom. As his parents aged, Helmut moved to Bow Island with them but continued to farm with his brother, Edmund for many years. In the mid 1970’s, he sold the farm as his adventurous spirit took him to Australia for a number of years. Helmut enjoyed travelling the world with Australia and Mexico being his favourites. After satisfying his wanderlust, he again returned to Canada and to agriculture. He purchased land near Bow Island while residing in Medicine Hat, adding bison to his farming ventures. Helmut is survived by his sister, Irma Neufeldt and sister-in-law, Elizabeth Hirch. He was predeceased by his father, Daniel; mother, Olga; sister, Rosalie and brothers, Otto, Alfred, Reinhold and Edmund. The family would like to extend their special appreciation to the staff at the Bow Island Pleasant View Lodge and the Bow Island Health Centre for their special care for their Uncle Helmut these last four years. The funeral service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 104 – 2 Avenue West, Bow Island on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor George Mills officiating. Private interment will take place at the Bow Island Cemetery prior to the service. Luncheon will follow Helmut’s church celebration at the Golden Age Club, 206 – 5 East, Bow Island. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Lutheran World Relief or the Bow Island and District Health Foundation. Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reception Facility, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4 V4. Telephone 403-527-6455

• Date : 2023-06-06
• Location : Bow Island, Alberta

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