Leonard Francis Hirner, a 56-year-old resident of St. David, Illinois, died on December 30, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. His passing has elicited a deep sense of loss among those who knew him, recalling a person characterized by professional diligence, personal integrity, and a profound connection to the natural environment.
A native of Peoria, born September 5, 1969, to Francis Hirner and Barbara Hirner (née Kirkpatrick), he consistently demonstrated the principles of perseverance and reliability instilled in his youth. These attributes defined his lengthy tenure as a concrete specialist and proud member of Local Union 231. Fellow tradesmen regarded him as a meticulous and dependable professional, committed to precision and sustained effort in all his undertakings.
His personal solace was frequently sought in settings beyond the built environment, where he engaged in outdoor pursuits and cherished undisturbed reflection. Those close to him often remarked on his capacity to derive contentment from life’s fundamental pleasures and uncomplicated moments.
His principal source of fulfillment was derived from his familial relationships. He is survived by his three children: Elizabeth Matheny of Havana; Hannah Hirner of Farmington; and Michael Hirner (spouse Jamie) of Monterey. Additionally, he leaves seven grandchildren and two siblings: Anthony Hirner of Peoria and Ralph Hirner of Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. His parents preceded him in death.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has been performed. A memorial gathering for acquaintances is scheduled for Friday, January 9, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Wright & Salmon Mortuary. A subsequent ceremony to commemorate his life will be arranged, allowing for a collective remembrance of his influence across fifty-six years.
As his community contemplates his absence, the remembrance of Leonard Hirner will be anchored in his vocational commitment, his devotion to family, and the tranquility he discovered in nature. These enduring aspects of his character will continue to provide solace and serve as a reminder of the significance of dedicated labor, kinship, and quiet appreciation.