Robert J. Hillebrand

Robert “Bob” J. Hillebrand, Sr., 85, of Mishawaka, passed away Saturday, February 25, 2012 in Hospice House, South Bend, following a short illness.

Bob was born April 5, 1926 in Mishawaka, the son of the late Charles J. and Margaret M. (Schmitt) Hillebrand. He grew up in Mishawaka and was a graduate of Central Catholic High School in South Bend. Bob was a World War II Veteran serving in the Army Air Force in the Aleutian Islands.

Bob married Margaret Durant on November 19, 1949 and the couple made the South Bend and Mishawaka area their home.

Bob retired from Uniroyal (Ball Band) in 1989 as a Senior Process Chemist. He was employed there for over 45 years and participated in many company sponsored training courses at Ivy Tech. He traveled working in various laboratories and was involved in the wear test programs as a tester in the fuel cell lab at the missile plant.

Bob was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the BK Club and American Legion Post 161 all in Mishawaka. He was a member and treasurer of the Uniroyal Men’s Club. He was former secretary-treasurer of the Mishawaka Jaycees and was an equipment manager for Southeast Little League.

Bob served on the District Advisory Committee of Boy Scouts of America. He was Advancement Chairman for Troop 163 for over 25 years. Bob was a Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow and received the District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver Award.

Bob raised vegetables, a trait he inherited from his mom and dad and passed on to his children. Throughout his life he enjoyed singing and sang in the St. Joseph Church Boys Choir, High School Glee Club, Ball Band Male Chorus and the St. Jude Church Adult Choir.

Bob was a walking encyclopedia of Mishawaka history and its’ families. He loved talking with others and couldn’t go anywhere without running into people he knew.

Bob’s surviving family includes his daughter, Mary Cottrill and her husband Ernie of South Bend; his son, Robert J. Hillebrand, Jr, of Granger; and two grandchildren, Joshua Cottrill and Katelynne Hillebrand; a sister-in-law, Betty (Leo) Kwasneski; several cousins including, Rosemary (Jack) Sterzik; and family friends, Kathleen Cekanski and Katie Farrand.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret, who passed away in 2005.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, February 29, at 10 am in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 S. Mill Street, Mishawaka, with Rev. Terry Fisher officiating. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. Military honors will be provided by VFW 360 / American Legion 161 Burial Squad.

Friends may spend time with Bob’s family Tuesday, February 28, from 4 - 7 pm in GOETHALS & WELLS FUNERAL HOME, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka.

Memorials are suggested to The Center for Hospice Care or the Boy Scouts of America. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.