Ola Hirth

August 9, 1924 - April 23, 2022

Racine – Ola Hirth, 97, passed away peacefully at his home with family at his side on Saturday, April 23, 2022. Ola was born in Voss, Norway to Anders and Anna (nee Halrynjo) Hirth on August 9, 1924. He lived his younger years in Norway making his way through two years of college and serving two mandatory years in the Norway Military during World War II. After his service to his country, Ola worked on the powerlines in the mountains of Norway. Ola immigrated to the United States in 1951 and found employment in Chicago and California. After a brief period, he finally settled in Racine. Ola started his own business, Ola Hirth Painting and Decorating with his partner, Richard Anderson. They were members of the Painters and Decorating Contractors Association (PDCA). He retired in 1991 at the age of 71. Ola met the love of his life, Shirley Mae Sorensen at a bowling alley. They both loved dancing, and during their first dance, he swept her off her feet while wearing his ski boots. They took pleasure in dancing for many years to come. On April 18, 1959, they were united in marriage at Grace Lutheran Church in Racine. Together they were active and faithful members of the church. Ola was a trustee for the church and ushered for many years. It was important to Ola to be a member of the Sons of Norway, acting as president for several years. He was a member for 65 years. Ola was a highly active and adventurous person, keeping himself fit and healthy. He thoroughly enjoyed skiing. He was a member of the Racine Ski Club and was an accomplished ski jumper. He won numerous trophies and medals from Iron Mountain to Chicago, and many other places of competition. He took many ski trips with his family, including traveling to Norway. Ola skied until age 88, when he injured his shoulder. Not only did Ola ski in the snow, but he water-skied and jumped as well. Ola was very fond of golf. He played until the age of 97. He also liked to bowl and play cards. First and foremost, Ola loved his family. He would tell stories of family history including his own past. Ola treasured many family reunions, especially in Norway. He was a strong and independent man who never complained. He always had a sense of humor. And during his nineties being color blind all his life, Ola would say, “I could never understand why people couldn’t see the brighter side of life.” Ola will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years, since Monday, April 18, 2022, Shirley; children: Jim (Shelly) Hirth, Darren Hirth, and Kari (Mike) Farrington; grandchildren: Justin (Shannon), Josh, and Tyler Hirth, and Bristol and Logan Farrington; great-grandchildren: Charlotte and Johnathan Hirth; sisters: Olga Jensen and Kari Trå; sister-in-law, Dagney Hirth; and nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anders and Anna Hirth; and brothers: Knut (Gulla), Sivert (Liv), and Arne Hirth. A celebration of Ola’s life will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home on April 29, 2022, beginning with a public visitation at 10:00 am until the time of the ceremony at 11:00 am. Pastor Brian Crane from Grace Lutheran Church will be officiating. A private interment will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park following the services. Memorials to either Grace Lutheran Church or Sons of Norway have been suggested. Please visit www.wilsonfuneralhomeinc.com to share condolences and memories of Ola. The family would like to thank the staff at Compassus Hospice and Pastor Brian Crane for their kind and compassionate care of Ola and his family.