Deacon Francis Henry Hillenbrand, 97, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away Saturday, November 10, 2018 at University Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (formerly known as Little Sisters of the Poor). Francis was born in Evansville, Indiana on October 15, 1921 to the late Henry Francis and Anna Irma “Sissie” (Schmadel) Hillenbrand. He was a 1940 graduate of Memorial High School.
Francis attended Notre Dame on a football scholarship and received education from several other colleges. He… Read More » served in the United States Navy during World War II as a Naval Aviator. Francis had a variety of work experiences but was best known for his teaching and coaching at Mater Dei High School.
He also ran his own accounting business. Francis had an amazing sense of humor and a joke for every occasion. His passion was reading.
Francis was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in the County and was a deacon throughout the diocese of Evansville for many years. Francis worked at Catholic Charities for 10 years and taught RCIA at Christ the King Catholic Church. He was very active in the Garden Patch, Habitat, and Ohio Valley Hospice.
Francis is survived by his children, Connie Sokol (Richard) of Plantation, FL, Sister Ann Francis Hillenbrand of Ferdinand, IN, Christina Hillenbrand, Gary Hillenbrand both of Evansville, IN, John Hillenbrand (Gabriela) of Irvine, CA, and Paul Hillenbrand (Joan) of Evansville, IN; sister, Jackie Garvey of Indianapolis, IN; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and one due in January; and his first great-great-grandchild due April 2019. Francis was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy (Matthews) Hillenbrand; two sons, Joseph Hillenbrand in infancy and Patrick Hillenbrand in 1989; foster son, Antonio Garandes; and a brother-in-law, Larry Garvey. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in the County, 6202 W. St. Joseph Rd.
, Evansville, IN 47720. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Church Cemetery. Friends may visit from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at University Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (formerly known as Little Sisters of the Poor), 1236 Lincoln Ave.
, Evansville, IN 47714. Visitation will be held again from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Friday, November 16, 2018 with a memorial service at 7:00 PM at Browning Funeral Home, 738 E. Diamond Ave. , Evansville, IN 47711 and again from 9:00 AM until service time at the church Saturday.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sisters of Saint Benedict, 802 E. 10th St., Ferdinand, IN 47532 or Little Sisters of the Poor, 2345 W. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260. Condolences may be made online at www. browningfuneral.com.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
