Arland Hirman

Arland Elmer Hirman was born January 24, 1941 in Harvey Township of Meeker County, Minnesota on the family farm. He was the son of Elmer and Amanda (Schutt) Hirman.

His mother sold their farm and made their home in Litchfield, MN after the sudden passing of Elmer when he was 7 years old. This event shaped his lifelong experiences as his grandmother, Freda Schutt and mother Amanda worked to raise their family. Some of Arland's fondest memories include Freda reading the bible and spending time with her.

A youth of poverty ensued and at a young age he learned to work. He had a paper route and appeared in the Minneapolis Star highlighting his model train set that he purchased from the money he earned. In 1959 he graduated from Mounds View High School where he played quarterback and halfback for his high school football team. He earned a scholarship to play college football at Macalester College in St. Paul and completed his education at St. Cloud State University receiving his Bachelors Degree in Accounting in 1966 and passed the Certified Public Accountant test on the first try. He was also the first in his family to earn a college degree and imparted the respect for higher education in his children and grandchildren.

Arland served in the US army reserves at Fort Snelling in Minneapolis, MN from May 1966 to May 1972.

Arland met the love of his life of 50 years, Joan Morical, on March 1, 1963 when he interviewed for a job at Honeywell.

On April 4, 1964 Arland was united in marriage to Joan. The couple initially made their home in Anoka, MN, and later in New Brighton, Minnetonka, Victoria, Duluth, Cook, Naples, FL and finally Alexandria, MN in retirement years. To this union three children were born: Michael Rohn, Julie Maria and Steven Ross. They raised their family principally in Duluth.

He was a pillar of the Duluth business community serving as CFO of several prominent Minnesota companies including HBJ, Edgell Comm, Advanstar, Floe Int'l and North Star Industries. He was a member of Rotary Int'l in Duluth and Kiwanis Golden K in Alexandria. He performed numerous public service activities, including serving on the board of Lakeland Mental Health.

Arland will always be remembered as a family man imparting his time, love, guidance and patience. He enjoyed genealogy history and gifted his family with his loving hours of travel and research.

He was a devout Christian and the Bible was his cornerstone. His order in life was GOD, family and then work. Arland was devoted to his church, serving as a president and elder for many years.

His children admired his devotion to his wife and the wonderful team they made. Everyone he encountered treasured his smile, generosity and love of children. He had a genuine interest in others, their families and lives.

The week prior to his passing, Arland planned and hosted a family reunion in celebration of his 50th wedding anniversary. His children, grandchildren and niece cherish the happy memories created in Bayfield, WI and the North Shore of Lake Superior. He put so much effort into everyone's enjoyment and all of the events he planned. Arland was full of life until the Lord called him to heaven.

On Sunday, August 21, 2016 Arland at the age of 75 years answered the call of the Lord, a date that marked his lifelong love, Joan Hirman's birthday. He died peacefully at his home in Alexandria. Arland was preceded in death by his loving wife, father and mother and is survived by his brother Loren Hirman, of Lester Prairie, MN and his sister Irene (Zoli) Sari of Minnetonka, MN; three children, Michael (Araceli) Hirman of San Diego, Julie (Mark) McCombs of Plymouth, MN, Steven (Kari) Hirman of Wayzata, MN; and five grandchildren, Phillip and Leah of San Diego, Grant & Ava of Plymouth, Ben of Wayzata.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 26th, 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2016, 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Burial will be at Ripley Cemetery in Litchfield at 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 27th. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home.