Donald E. Hillebrenner of Quincy died Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Adams Pointe. Don was born March 29,1929 in St. Mary’s Hospital in Quincy, IL, a son of the late Adolph and Edna (Schnell) Hillebrenner. He married Mildred Rossmiller May 20th, 1950, in St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Don was a 1947 graduate of Liberty High School. During his senior year and after graduation he was employed by Quincy Aviation, where he received his private pilot license on July 7, 1948. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1955 during the Korean War, serving two years in the Alaska Air Command in Anchorage, Alaska.

After being discharged from the service, he was employed at W.H. Klingner and Associates as a surveyor for 19 years, later working for J.M. Huber for 17 years. While at Huber, Don managed the mineral plant and maintenance department, and finally the safety program until his retirement in 1991. Don was engaged in community service throughout his life, as past PTO president at St. Dominic’s Catholic School, a former member of the Knights of Columbus and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and a Scout Master for Troop 76. A long time volunteer with St. Mary’s and Blessing Hospitals, he worked in the mail room and delivered medicine upon retirement. Don was also a longtime farmer and collected model tractors. He loved playing cards and teaching his grandchildren the game AND the rules of Euchre and cheering on his Cardinals.

Don and Millie were able to travel after his retirement, visiting Rome, Italy (Vatican), Hawaii, Panama, California, Washington, D.C., Florida, North Carolina and Michigan. He always looked forward to attending Cardinal’s spring training in Florida and sitting in the broadcast booth with Mike Shannon. They could also spend hours in front of a nickel slot machine, whether it was in Las Vegas, Tunica or LaGrange. He never missed a dance recital, soccer game, volleyball match, basketball game or Grand Parents Day in which his grandkids were involved.

In his younger years Don played softball and bowled for over 30 years. He also enjoyed fishing with his sons and even started deer hunting with them at age 65. He still enjoyed going to the farm during planting and harvest.

Don is survived by his five children, Gary (Lynda) Hillebrenner of Quincy, Greg (Michelle) Hillebrenner of Louisburg, NC, Gloria (Bill) Ludwig of Quincy, Jeffrey (Jan) Hillebrenner of Springfield, IL, and Dennis (Michelle) Hillebrenner of Murphysboro, IL; 10 grandchildren, Julie (Chris) O’Toole of Beach Park, IL, Stacey (Matt) Eccles of Godfrey, IL, Matthew (Elizabeth) Hillebrenner of Silver Spring, MD, Nancy Ludwig of Quincy, IL, Melissa (David) Kilby of Hickory, NC, Michael (Lindsay) Hillebrenner of South Elgin, IL, Laurie (Dennis) Craft of Charlotte, MI, Chris (Maria) Hillebrenner of Quincy, IL, Angie Hillebrenner of Springfield, IL, and Brittany (Jake) Crane of Carterville, IL; a very close family friend Sarah Mueller,thirteen great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Hillebrenner was preceded in death by Mildred, his wife of 68 years; his parents; his sisters, Dorothy Erke, Evelyn Green, Lucille Redman and Shirley Sorrill; his brother, Herbert Hillebrenner; and an infant daughter.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 23, 2022 at 9:30 in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and at 10:00 AM in St. Peter Catholic Church. Interment in Calvary Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Air Force Honor Detail and the American Legion Post #37 Honor Detail. Visitation will be held on Thursday evening from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Quincy Notre Dame High School, St. Peter Catholic Church or to the Blessing Foundation for Hospice. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.