Monty A. Hirdes

Monty A. Hirdes, age 70, of Allendale, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Saturday, January 7, 2017.   Monty grew up on a Dairy Farm in Zeeland, Michigan and enjoyed farming until he changed careers and went into industrial sales. He was a good Christian man who read his Bible and prayed daily. He always lit up a room with his easy going, fun personality, which made everyone around him laugh. He enjoyed telling stories and jokes, and sharing his knowledge of farming and engines. Monty was the type of person that would help anyone in need, giving everything he could without expecting anything in return.  He didn’t judge people based on their life circumstances or choices and could talk to anyone and put them at ease.   Throughout Monty’s life, he enjoyed working on small engines, or any engine repairs, riding his Harley Davidson, bowling, fishing, and hunting every year with his sons. He also loved spending time with friends and family, playing hymns on the organ, playing the guitar, and singing. He liked watching several television programs, such as NASCAR racing, The Lawrence Welk Show, Mollie B. Polka Party, Larry’s Country Diner, American Pickers, Michigan Out of Doors, Buckmasters, RFD TV and Turner Classic Movies. And he also really enjoyed his wife’s cooking and baking, and going out to dinner with family and friends.   Monty was the founder and co-owner of Lightweight Eliminators, a tractor pulling club. He was the tractor pulling champion from 1994 to 2004 until he retired from tractor pulling.   He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 43 years, Sandra; his children and grandchildren, Robert Hirdes (Victoria), Sherri and John Zietlow (Michael, Kyle, Ryan), Brian and Angela Hirdes (Laurina, Aubriana), Ginger Hirdes, and Bradley Hirdes; sisters, Gyla Seega, Lola and Richard Weerstra; many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and his nephews and nieces.   Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Rusk Christian Reformed Church, 10354 92^nd Avenue, Allendale. Interment Rusk Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet the family on Tuesday from 5-8 PM at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf (corner of Avery and Scott) 6651 Scott St., Allendale.  Those who would like to may make memorial contributions to Holland Rescue Mission or Faith Hospice.