Robert B. Hirschman

Bob was the oldest son of Russell and Gertrude Hirschman of Indianapolis, born Oct. 26, 1934. He graduated from Broad Ripple High School (1952), attended DePauw University, graduated from Indiana University Dental School (1959), and its Orthodontic Department (1961). He was a highly respected orthodontist in the Nora area for 31 years. He treated hundreds of youth and older adults, producing beautiful smiles.

In his spare time, he served on the Board of Peoples Bank, the Indianapolis Zoo Board, numerous positions at Broadway United Methodist Church and Oakwood Park at Lake Wawasee. He followed in his father’s footsteps as a Board member of the Indianapolis Zoo for over 50 years. He was instrumental in the planning for the new Zoo in downtown Indy. He and Jan chaired the first Zoobilation, still a highly successful fund raiser for the Zoo. His last 12 years he was a faithful member of St. Lukes UMC.

Many happy family times were spent at Lake Wawasee where Bob had enjoyed church camps and vacations every year since his birth --- a total of 86 years. At one time he was chairman of the Board of the Oakwood Spiritual Center on the lake and was owners rep on building the new Oakwood Inn there on the church camp grounds. He also loved visiting Sanibel Island, FL since 1976.

For over 40 years, Bob’s Christmas project was baking and elaborately decorating several hundred gingerbread cookies in many different designs. These were given to family, friends, his doctors and advisors, and the Zoo Board. The most special shapes were custom made for his five grandchildren --- any large design they wanted each year.

Bob’s greatest joy was his family. He was a fabulous husband, father to three, grandfather to five, and two new great grandchildren. Family holidays were so special for him. He loved fun and had a wonderful sense of humor. He is survived by his loving family: Janis Hirschman, wife of 61 years; daughter Lynne Hirschman; daughter Kaye Hasewinkel, husband Tom and daughters Leah and Abby Murray (husband Michael and children Emma and Griffin); son Scott Hirschman, wife Betsy and children Michael, Sarah, and Will. He is also survived by his brother Richard Hirschman.

The family would like to thank his many doctors who kept Bob active through his final years and the staff of Marquette Health Center who attended to him in his final days.

There will be a private service for family and a celebration of his life for friends later this year.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request memorial contributions to the Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St. 40222, Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation (WACF) P.O. Box 548, Syracuse, IN 46567, or St. Lukes United Methodist Church 100 West 86th St. 46260.