Meet Grace

Homegrown

Raised on a local dairy farm as one of seven children, Grace (Van Dyken) Hirte learned the value of hard work, faith, and being a good neighbor early on. A proud 1977 graduate of Delavan-Darien High School, Grace attended Calvin College, then married her high school sweetheart in 1979. Richard and Grace lived in Fond du Lac, Sheboygan and Galesburg, IL before returning home in 1986 to raise four children in the community that shaped her.

Leadership and Experience

Grace’s professional journey reflects a unique blend of teaching, business management and public service. With a degree from UW-Whitewater, she has served as a school administrator, a business manager, and an Executive Officer. Today, she translates that experience into civic action, serving as a Commissioner for the Walworth County Metropolitan Sewerage District and on the 250th 10-Day Celebration Committee.

Experience Highlights

  • Public Infrastructure: Commissioner, Walworth County Metropolitan Sewerage District
  • City Governance: City of Delavan Public Works Committee (5-year term)
  • Educational Leadership: Principal, Delavan Christian School
  • Non-Profit Management: President, New Day Women’s Clinic Board of Directors
  • Business Operations: Executive Officer, Lakeland Builders Association

At Home in Our Community

When she isn’t serving on the board of the New Day Women’s Clinic or volunteering with Safe Families for Children, Grace enjoys life in Delavan with her husband, Richard, their six grandchildren, and their Golden Retriever.