Russell Philip Hirschy of Markesan died peacefully at home on Friday, July 21, 2023 after a 4-month struggle with cancer.

A memorial gathering for Russell will take place on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 181 S. Main St., Markesan, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. A memorial gathering will also take place on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at Markesan United Methodist Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Kyochul Shin officiating. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date.

He was born to Dr. Arthur W and Bonita (Ryan) Hirschy in St. Louis, Missouri on June 7, 1942.  Growing up in Indianapolis, Indiana, he participated in church, school and Boy Scout activities, graduating from Arsenal Technical High School in 1960 and from Ball State Teachers College/University in Muncie, Indiana in 1964 and 1966. Russ and Heidi Dowdy were married on his 21st birthday, June 7, 1963 by her father, Rev. R Edward Dowdy in Indianapolis. They recently celebrated 60 + years of marriage.  A 35-year math- teaching career began with a year at Northern Michigan University followed by four years at Lyons Township High School in Illinois and then 30 years at Markesan High School. This was followed by 12 years as district computer coordinator.

Community friends will remember Russ as the football/basketball time clock operator, student mentor, school summer rehab worker, needle-point enthusiast, NASCAR fan,  Barbershopper,  Sudoku worker, puzzle fan, neighbor...  Church friends will also remember adult Bible study classes, adult choir, committee worker, sound-desk manager, Habitat for Humanity leader for 20 years, etc.

Russ was a kind and loving husband, loving father to Gretchen (Rob) Henriksen and Marthe (Joel) Honts as well as the "only" grandfather to Avi, Samuel and Andrew Henriksen and to Logan and Georgia Honts.  He is further survived by brother Bob (Connie) Hirschy and sister Juanita Bennett and sister-in-law, Joyce (Walter) Utroske of Indiana as well as cousins and many wonderful friends.

We Praise the Lord for his life!

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to be serving the family.