Paul Ignatius Hirner

Paul Ignatius Hirner entered into eternal peace on January 6, 2016 at St. Ann's Home in Oklahoma City. His final days were spent surrounded by Fern, his beloved "bride" of 74 years and family. Son of Leo Hirner and Bridget (Mae) McNamara, he was born February 2, 1918 in Little Rock, Arkansas. As his mother died in his early child hood he was raised in Edina, Missouri by his Aunt, Josephine Hirner. His father then joined the Benedictine Monastery at Conception, Missouri. Paul attended Conception College in Missouri and Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He met the love of his life, Fern Maria Schulze in St. Louis, Missouri and married in 1941. They raised two children, Susan Hirner Dolan and William (Bill) Hirner. It was his artistic ability that led to a life-long profession in the printing business, retiring as a color process artist from Color Associates Printing Company in 1983. Paul was a man of quick wit and humor, a true gentleman, a man of kindness and generosity. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, finding great joy spending time in the woods and in the steam at their country place in Steelville, Missouri. He is survived by his deeply loved wife Fern; his two children and their spouses, Robert and Susan Dolan of Oklahoma City, Bill and Betsy Hirner of Atlanta, one sister Romana Cocoran of Farmington, Missouri; seven grandchildren; Colleen A. Dolan and husband Michael Evans of Chicago, Sean C. Dolan and wife Margaret Bechtel of Chicago, Brian P. Dolan and wife Sheryl of Oklahoma City, M. Brennan Dolan and wife Jennifer of Oklahoma City, Nicole Hirner and husband John Close of Chicago, Cydney C. Hirner and Ross J. Hirner of Atlanta; and seventeen great grandchildren. The family wishes to thank all of staff at St. Ann's Retirement Center and at St. Ann's Nursing Home, especially the nurses and aids who cared for him; also the aids from Right at Home and Mercy Hospice who provided wonderful care for Paul. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Ann Retirement Center January 9, 2016. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Dominic Savio School Fund, 7748 MacKenzie Rd., St. Louis, Mo. 63123.