Date of death: 11/10/2018
Saint Meinrad Class: SPH 1945
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. Heà 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.