1936-2026
Dale Nevin Hirschfeld, age 89, passed away peacefully with his loving wife by his side at Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County in Troy, Ohio, on Sunday, February 22, 2026, after suffering a fall in his home.
Dale was born on April 21, 1936, in New Bremen, Ohio, to Nevin and Verona (Kettler) Hirschfeld. He was their only child. In 1949, the family moved to DeGraff, Ohio, where Dale would build a life rooted in faith, family, business, and community.
After graduating from DeGraff High School in 1954, Dale proudly served his country in the United States Army as a tank commander, then later as a company clerk. Stationed in Germany, he developed a lifelong love of travel, often taking train trips and spending weekends exploring the country and surrounding regions.
Following his military service, Dale returned home to DeGraff, where he worked as a salesman for Mid- States Container Corporation. He later joined his parents in their family business, DeGraff Hatcheries & Dairy Isle. After years of operating Farm Service Inc. feed mill and grain elevator with his father, he founded Hirschfeld Agri-Service. A grain elevator, seed, fertilizer, chemical, and custom application business that expanded to additional locations serving several area communities. His leadership extended beyond his own business as he became actively involved in many state and national agricultural organizations. After the sale of Hirschfeld Ari-Service in 1997, he owned and operated three Pennzoil Ten-Minute Oil Change Centers in Logan and Auglaize Counties alongside his son Eric.
On February 10, 1962, Dale married his best friend and the love of his life, Suzanne Detrick, at the United Methodist Church in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Together, they built their first home in DeGraff, where they raised their two children, Lisa and Eric.
A devoted man of faith, Dale was an active member of the DeGraff United Methodist Church (now Cornerstone Fellowship of DeGraff), where he faithfully served on numerous committees and was a dedicated steward of his Lord and Savior.
Dale was deeply committed to his community. He served on the Riverside High School Board of Education as a member and later president. He served on the Mary Rutan Hospital Board of Directors, the Logan County Education Association, and as a director of several local banks, including Midwest Savings Bank in DeGraff. He was also a director for over 30 years and the past president of Affinity Mutual Insurance Company in Lima, Ohio.
Dale and Sue shared a love of travel and fellowship. As members of People to People International, they traveled to Australia and New Zealand.
For 32 years, they spent their winters at Boardwalk Caper in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. There, they formed cherished friendships and enjoyed boating, biking, walking the beach, and attending the daily “5 o’clock” gatherings. Dale enjoyed his time as a member of the Boardwalk Caper Yacht Club. Fort Myers Beach was truly his “happy place.”
Nothing brought Dale greater pride than his grandchildren: Blake Hirschfeld, Erica (Hirschfeld) Dutra, Jack Rubin, and Lauren Rubin. He was their enthusiastic supporter and attended as many of their activities as possible. He was also blessed with two great-granddaughters and eight step-great-grandchildren who brought him immense joy.
Dale is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Suzanne; his son Eric (Diane) Hirschfeld; his son-in-law Dan Rubin; Four grandchildren: Blake Hirschfeld, Erica (Corey) Dutra, Jack Rubin, Lauren Rubin; Step-grandchildren: Scott (Lisa) Schmiesing, Dana (Jordan) Settlage, Leslie (Corey) Jutte; Great-grandchildren: Presley and Lyra Dutra; Step great-grandchildren Micah, Asher & Nora Settlage. Isla, Josslyn, Daxton & Briar Schmiesing and Julian Jutte. Nephews Steven (Tracy) Hughes and their children, Morgan, Ethan, and Sarah, and Tom (Julie) Hughes and their children Evan and Olivia.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved daughter, Lisa Rubin; his grandson, Derrick (who died in infancy); his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marsha and Don Hughes; his father and mother-in-law, Max and Elizabeth Detrick; and his brother-in-law, Don Detrick.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Cornerstone Fellowship of DeGraff, 1839 County Road 24 S. in DeGraff, Ohio, where Pastor Robin Ricks will officiate a memorial service at 12:00 p.m. Inurnment will be in Willow Grove Cemetery in New Bremen, Ohio, at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made in Dale’s name to Cornerstone Fellowship of DeGraff (formerly DeGraff United Methodist Church) or to Families For A Cure.
SANFORD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, DEGRAFF, is honored to care for Dale’s family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or kind message with the family at www.sanfordfuneralhome.com.
