Edwin Waixel Hirsch, 87, chairman of the Franklin Picture Co., 4300 N. Knox Ave., died Sunday at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Mr. Hirsch founded Franklin Picture, a manufacturer of decorative framed pictures and mirrors, in 1932 and was chairman when he died. He was instrumental in the development of the industry and was a founder of the Picture and Frame Institute. His grandfather, Isaac Waixel, founded one of Chicago`s first meat packing firms and supplied Union troops in the Civil War. Mr. Hirsch enlisted at age 38 in the Army during World War II and became a first lieutenant. Mr. Hirsch, who lived on the Near North Side, is survived by his wife, Patricia L.; a son, E. Franklin, president of Franklin Picture Co.; two daughters, Susan Schwartz and Sue Bowker; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Piser Weinstein Menorah Chapel, 5206 N. Broadway.
