Ralph Hirschman

Ralph Hirschman, 80, Osage Bluff, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, February 16, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 17, 1936, at the family home to Emil and Paula Mueller Hirschman in Osage Bluff. Ralph graduated from Cole County R-V - Eugene High School in 1954. He was united in marriage to Betty Lee Eiken, of Etterville, Mo., in Jackson, Mississippi, on December 17, 1956. Ralph and Betty spent nearly 60 years enjoying time with friends and family, exploring Missouri, and watching their grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in sporting events. Ralph was a racing enthusiast, loved Nascar, and was a hobby stock racer under the name "Cash Register" for several years. He also enjoyed farming, and later in life spent much time driving around the farm. Ralph worked for the Conservation Commission after high school, he and Betty owned the Gulf Station in Jefferson City, and upon selling that, he worked for Broadway Shell for 35 years. He then went to work for the State of Missouri House of Representatives until his retirement in 2001. In retirement years, he worked part-time as a car transporter for Gidco Auto Sales. He was a member of St. Margaret of Antioch Church in Osage Bend, and a past president of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2693. Ralph is survived by: his wife, three daughters, Pamela (Loren) Luebbert, Jenny (Paul) Becker, Lori (Larry) Fowler; eight grandchildren Chris (Sarah) Luebbert, Shara (Eric) Buechter, Samantha (Adam) Kelly, Jessica (Derek) Monroe, Casey (Heather) Luebbert, Jessica Becker, Katherine Luebbert, and Dalton Fowler; and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Leroy Hirschman. Visitation will be 9-11 a.m., Friday, February 19, 2016, at St. Margaret of Antioch Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday at St. Margaret of Antioch Catholic Church in Osage Bend with Father Mark Porterfield and Deacon Fred Schmitz officiating. Interment will follow at St. Margaret of Antioch Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Margaret of Antioch. Arrangements are under the direction of TYLER M. WOODS FUNERAL DIRECTOR, 611 E. Capitol Ave., Jefferson City, Missouri 65101. (573) 636-2424. Condolences may be made to the family at www.WoodsMemorialServices.com