Robert F. "Red" Kirschner's Obituary
Robert F. “Red” Kirschner, age 88 of Batesville died Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at Decatur County Memorial Hospital in Greensburg. Born June 4, 1924 in Franklin Co. Indiana, he is the son of Verena (Nee: Roth) and Anthony Kirschner. He married Marjorie Laker June 25, 1949 at Holy Family Church in Oldenburg. Red served in the army during World War II. Following the service, he would spend the next 50 years farming in addition to working 13 years at Fernald and 10 years with Batesville Tool & Die. He was a member of St. Louis Church, the Knights of St. John, Batesville V.F.W. Post #3183 and the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271.A little ornery, awfully playful and ever the prankster, Red was quite a character. He liked anything country from music to movies. He played a little banjo and many will remember his band the “Ripley Pioneers”. He would watch westerns, Hee-Haw, the Grand Ole Opry and anything to do with antique tractors and steam engines. Marge said they had horses or ponies around for as long as she can remember. Other interests included fishing, making homemade wine, playing 7-up or Solo and he bowled in the Knight of St. John’s league for many years. Red was a gifted woodworker and liked carving things out of peach stones and making miniature baskets from walnuts. When asked if he had a favorite food, his family replied, “All of it” and “Whatever you put in front of him.” He was especially fond of sweets. Red also liked a lively party and the party was even better if there was dancing. He is survived by his wife Marge; daughters Elaine Wirth and Brenda Graham, both of Batesville; sons Marvin of Hamburg, Indiana, James and Roger, both of Batesville, Kevin of Sunman, Indiana; sister Anna Mae Feller of Brookville, Indiana; thirteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his sister Frances Kramer and brothers Harold, Paul and Raymond Kirschner. Visitation is Friday, August 10th, from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services are 9 a.m. Saturday, August 11th, at St. Louis Church with Rev. Randy Summers officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Batesville V.F.W. Post #3183 and the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271. The family requests memorials to Phi Beta Psi Sorority Cancer Research or the National Kidney Foundation.
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