In Memoriam : Mark "Mickey" Hirni

Mark "Mickey" Leroy Hirni - age: 89
(April 05, 1935 to June 06, 2024 )
Resident of Exeter, California

Visitation Information:
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 from 4-6 p.m. at Evans Miller Guinn Exeter Chapel. Graveside will take place on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Exeter District Cemetery

Obituary:
Mark Leroy Hirni, known fondly to friends and family as Mickey, passed away in his home on Thursday, June 6, 2024, leaving a legacy of love, laughter, and dedication. Mickey was born in Exeter on April 5th, 1935, to Mark and Hulda Hirni. He graduated from Exeter High School in 1953 and earned a degree in Animal Husbandry from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1958.
On June 8th, 1957, Mickey eloped to San Francisco with the love of his life, Wilma Webster Hirni. This Saturday would have marked their 68th wedding anniversary. Together, they raised three wonderful children: Marlene and Bill Sario, Karrie and Dan Crookham, and Mark and Nicole Hirni. His family continued to grow with nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense joy to his life.
Mickey's career took off at Wells Fargo, where he worked his way up to Vice President of Agricultural Lending and Finance. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his own company, Sierra Western Ag Services Inc., from which he eventually retired.
A pillar of his community, Mickey was involved in numerous organizations throughout Exeter, including President of the Lions Club, 4H Leader, and served as Master of Masonic Lodge 316 in Sanger. He was on the Exeter School Board, where he served for nearly a decade, and he was honored as Exeter's Man of the Year. He was also a founding member of Exeter Mural Committee and played a significant role in bringing the vibrant trademark murals to Exeter.
Mickey's lifetime passion for all Exeter sports events was a testament to his unwavering support for his community. Starting when he played on the football team in 1952 when he fell in love with Cheerleader Wilma. In appreciation to his support he was presented with a lifetime pass to all Exeter sports games and was often seen standing in the back row cheering on the Exeter athletes.
His love for sports was evident as he umpired Little League games in Tranquility and chaired the All-Star Baseball Game for the Lions Club. He coached countless Little League teams, involving his kids, grandkids, and even great-grandkids. His passion for cycling was well-known, particularly on hot days, and walking his two little dogs which he was blessed to do up until his last day.
Adventurous at heart, Mickey climbed Mount Whitney twice and rebuilt an airplane in his garage. He loved the Sequoias and spent much of his youth backpacking there as a boy scout, eventually sharing this love with his kids and grandkids. His weekends were often spent at the family cabin in Hartland, sitting on the welcoming deck waving and visiting with any passing neighbors. He was also Water Chairman for the Hartland Water Association for decades.
Having lived throughout the Central Valley—born in Exeter, moved to San Luis Obispo, Tranquility, Price Ranch, Sangar, and finally settling back in Exeter for the last 40 years—Mickey's roots ran deep. Family meant the world to him, and he cherished every moment spent with them.
Mark Leroy Hirni will be remembered for his enduring spirit, boundless generosity, and the profound impact he had on his family and community. His memory will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Click to Enlarge