Michael Patrick Hirsch, age 60 – a lifelong resident of Elwood, died Saturday, March 24, 2012 at Community Hospital in Anderson following an extended illness. He was born April 25, 1951 in Elwood, the son of Edward W. Hirsch, Jr. and Carolyn V. (Smith) Hirsch. He formerly worked in production as a bender at ELSA Corporation in Elwood for many years. He attended St. Joseph School, and was a 1970 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School in Elwood. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, and was stationed in Thailand while working in military security and the K9 unit. He later worked in the Office of Special Investigations while in the military. Following his military service, Mike obtained an associate's degree in computer technology. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elwood. He was also a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America; a lifetime member of the Elwood V.F.W. Post 5782; and served on the Civic Council in Indianapolis. He enjoyed fishing, computers, and spending time with his family.

Survivors include brother, William "Bill" and wife Karrie Hirsch of Whitewood, SD; sister, Carolyn "Susie" Hirsch of Elwood; aunts and uncles, Ruth Ann Rice of Cape May, NJ and Jim and Sarah Ann Leezer of Marshfield, WI; and cousin, John Rice of New Jersey. Michael was preceded in death by his parents.

A Funeral Mass will be conducted at 11:00 AM Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elwood with Father Alejandro Paternoster officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in Elwood. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 PM Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood. Military honors will be conducted at the cemetery by the U.S. Air Force and Elwood V.F.W. Honor Guard teams. Memorial contributions are requested to the Elwood Food Pantry through the funeral home. Online condolences may be made to the Hirsch family at www.copherfeslermay.com.