Michael Hirbe, 71, passed away on January 23, 2026. Michael was born in Saint Louis, Missouri, on December 6, 1954, to Francis and Rosemary (Clarke) Hirbe. Michael had one brother (Patrick) and two sisters (Marilyn and Susan). Growing up in Spanish Lake, Missouri, Michael attended Rosary High School and Southeast Missouri State. Along the way, he shared many memories with friends and family. Michael was an avid sports fan, owning season tickets for the Saint Louis Rams and the Saint Louis Cardinals. He shared many stories of road trips with his friends all across the country. He played football for Rosary High School. Michael was an old soul who loved music and taught himself how to play guitar.
Michael developed a passion for entrepreneurship. He established the Video Hut in Ellisville, Missouri, which was one of the first video stores to open in the area. Throughout the years, he brought family and friends together through movie nights and special events. Michael then started the Hirbe Construction Company, which he would run as the general contractor until his retirement in 2017. Michael was recognized by his clients for his attention to detail and creativity on the job site. Today, there are beautiful homes in the Saint Louis area that were built by the Hirbe Construction Company. Throughout his time running Hirbe Construction, one of the core principles he followed was to build strong relationships with his peers and fellow workers, making sure that they had what they needed to be successful on and off the job site. On an annual basis, Hirbe Construction hosted the Hirbe Invitational, which was a golf tournament to bring family, friends, clients, and peers together to celebrate achievements throughout the year. Michael’s occupation was a great metaphor for how he lived his life, as he would build the structure and provide the roof, but a house does not become a home without the memories that you make along the way. Michael did both for his friends and family.
Michael met his wife Mitzi while they both worked evening and weekends at Barnes Hospital. They started dating in 1976 and married in 1978. Michael built the first of their many homes in 1979 where they lived until they were blessed with the birth of their son, Max. Michael was a loving, kind, and thoughtful father, who passed down his love for sports to Max. He never missed a game, practice, or tournament, regardless of how late and how far he had to travel. On many occasions, Michael would drive round trip overnight to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to pick up Max from college.
In 1998, Michael, Mitzi, and Max moved to Kirkwood, Missouri, to start a new chapter in their lives in a newly renovated Hirbe Construction home. Following the first house in Kirkwood, Michael built two more custom homes for his family. One in Kirkwood and another in Oakville, eventually moving to Shrewsbury where he would retire in 2017.
Michael is survived by his wife Mitzi Hirbe (nee Wolf); his son Max Hirbe; sister Marilyn Kostelnik (nee Hirbe); Susan Cella (nee Hirbe); and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Rosemary Hirbe and his brother Patrick Hirbe.
Michael will be remembered for his gentle spirit and unwavering love for his family. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 6, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois Road. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to help fund research and support for Alzheimer’s patients and their loved ones through the Alzheimer’s Association: Greater Missouri Chapter | Alzheimer’s Association.