KIRSCHNER, Alan George

KIRSCHNER, Alan George

Alan George Kirschner, 91, passed away on May 15, 2012—the 23rd day of Iyyar, 5772, surrounded by his children. Born in Cincinnati to the late David and Ida Kirschner, Mr. Kirschner grew up in Newport, Ky.

One of his earlier jobs was as a pin boy at a local bowling alley in Newport. This was prior to WWII when Newport was fairly untamed and gambling was prevalent. Mr. Kirschner would later tell his children how he recalled observing the pool rooms downstairs from the bowling alley and often watched the pool sharks taking off their coats and displaying pistols in their holsters.

Mr. Kirschner met the “love of his life,” Lois, while she was working in the office at the military base in Alabama where he was stationed. He flirted with her daily through an office window. One day she opened the window and soon after they started courting. The couple enjoyed a wonderful 65 years of marriage. They loved to travel and had an active social life.

Mr. Kirschner was a Staff Sergeant in E. Company of the 326th Glider Battalion, 13th Airborne Infantry Division. While serving in the European Theater of Operation, his unit was attached to the 82nd Airborne and engaged in combat operations along with General George Patton’s 3rd Armored Division in the relief of the 101st Airborne in and around the Belgian town of Bastogne. This is where he received the first of his two bronze battle stars for combat. He earned a Glider Badge; Carbine Sharp Shooter Badge; Expert Rifleman Badge; and was also awarded the American Theater Ribbon, EAME Theater Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star; Good Conduct Medal; Victory World War II Medal.

A successful businessman, Mr. Kirschner was the owner and operator of D. Kirschner and Sons, Inc. in Newport, Ky. from the late 1940s until he sold the business in 1982. This was a family-run scrap iron and steel recycling business that had begun with his father, David Kirschner.

Mr. Kirschner was a member of and contributor to Adath Israel Congregation. His hobbies included playing classical music on the piano, golf, and piloting airplanes. He loved learning, and had a lifelong fascination with human history. Through his kindness, good humor, strength and generosity, he touched many lives.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Kirschner, his brother, Dr. Jack Kirschner, and his sister, Sylvia Gelman.

Surviving relatives include his children, Sandra Wyatt, Dr. Rick (Lindea) Kirschner, and Gary (Evelyn) Kirschner, his grandchildren, Aden, Eli, Cody and Josh, his three great-grandchildren, and his sister, Doris Kirschner.

In his eulogy to his father, Dr. Rick Kirschner said, “I can see him now. He’s driving down the eternal road in his convertible. Top’s down, sunglasses on, he’s smiling —with that irrepressible and ever present smile—my mother, the love of his life, again at his side, giggling like a schoolgirl just to be with him again. He’s at peace with himself and happy about the incredible life he so fully lived.”

Services for Mr. Kirschner were held at Weil Funeral Home and officiated by Rabbi Irvin Wise. Interment was at United Jewish Cemetery of Montgomery.

Memorial contributions can be made to VFW or to Adath Israel Congregation.