John G. Hillenbrand, 87, passed away Monday, Sept. 12, 2011 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Evansville after a brief illness. 

He was born Dec. 29, 1923 in Haubstadt to Paul and Elizabeth (Riedford) Hillenbrand and resided there his lifetime. John retired from Whirlpool Corp. and farming.

He was a life member of St. James Catholic Church.  John was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a member of VFW Post 1114 in Evansville.  John enjoyed square and round dancing at various clubs in the Tri-State.

John is survived by his wife of 61 years, Anna Louise (Whitten) Hillenbrand whom he married on April 15, 1950.  One sister-in-law, Aileen Hillenbrand; One brother-in-law, Frank Kramer; nieces; Bernice Burger, Norma Regener, Teresa Van Meter and Mary Beckwith; nephews; Bob Lamey, Rick Hillenbrand, Keith Kramer, Phil Kramer; and a special cousin, Brian Lankford.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Marie Lamey and Esther Hillenbrand; five brothers; Frank, Edwin, Alvin, Bernard and Anthony Hillenbrand; and a sister-in-law, Frances Kramer.     

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 16, 2011 at St. James Catholic Church with Father Kenneth Betz as the celebrant.   Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites. 

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Thursday at Wade Funeral Home where a Rosary will be recited at 3:45 p.m.  Friends may also call Friday from 9 a.m. until Mass time at St. James Catholic Church.