Paul T. Hillebrand

Paul T. Hillebrand, 88, of Mishawaka, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, May 9, 2014.

Paul was born January 30, 1926 in Mishawaka, a son of the late Herbert and Clara (Hornung) Hillebrand. He was a graduate of Central Catholic High School in South Bend. He served his country in the US Navy during World War II.

Paul married Barbara Ann Dean on January 31, 1953. She preceded him death along with a brother, Jim (Mary) Hillebrand; a sister, Carolyn (John) Kowalski: and a great granddaughter, Emma Josephine Hart.

Paul’s surviving family includes his children, Linda (David) Hillebrand-Sickman, Paula (Rick) Balmer, Carol (Michael) Balmer and Diana (Bo Ledbetter) Hillebrand; 11 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 1 on the way; three brothers, Michael (Geri) Hillebrand, Fred (Pat) Hillebrand and Herbert Hillebrand; and a sister, Katherine (Jaime) Dolojan.

Paul was employed for 33 years at Wheelabrator-Frye Corporation where he was a Senior Research Technician and spent 8 years at Waccamaw and 12 years with Bobby’s Security. For many years Paul parked cars, recreational vehicles and busses at the University of Notre Dame.

Paul was a member of St. Bavo Catholic Church. He enjoyed traveling and camping and was a member of the National Campers and Hikers Association and was a field director for the organization. At one time he served as secretary for the local UAW and was a former member of the Knights of Columbus. Paul and his dad sang in a Barbershop Quartet and even made records of their singing. He also liked collecting lighthouses and lifting weights.

Friends may spend time with Paul’s family Tuesday from 3 - 7 pm in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 am in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 S. Mill Street, Mishawaka, with Rev Terry Fisher officiating. Burial will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. Military Honors will be provided by VFW 360 / American Legion 161 Burial Squad.

Memorials are suggested to Humane Society of St. Joseph County, 2506 Grape Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or to World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th Street NW, Washington D.C. 20037.