It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kurt Georg Eberhard Hillenbrand on July 30, 2016 at the Parkland Integrated Health Centre, Home B. Kurt had a long battle with cancer and to the end he was who he always was, a kind and patient man who lived by faith. He had a smile that could fill a room and a peacefulness that drew people to him.

Kurt was born in Shellbrook May 2, 1938, the second of six children born to Emma and Leonhard Hillenbrand. He has always called Shellbrook “home” and lived in the area his entire life. On August 20, 1966 he married the love of his life Jean Henderson. They were privileged to raise four children Heather, Mark, Colleen and Erin.

As the oldest son of a farmer Kurt began his own career in agriculture at an early age, and he spent most of his life caring for cattle and tending crops. He had an incredible work ethic and loved farming. He could be dead tired at the end of a long day and he would sweep the garage, shake out his clothes and wash them so they would be clean and ready for the next day. Kurt loved the land and the majesty of the many trees on the farm. He spent hours logging, both to clear land and provide lumber. Kurt built his house, barn, hay shelter and other projects with his own lumber.

Kurt was content with simple pleasures; meat and potatoes with gravy spilling over the sides, slow drives in the country, and a nice cold coke. He enjoyed a good joke, coffee with friends, playing Kaiser, driving through equipment lots and helping a new calf to suck for the first time. Above it all, it was his family and his faith in God that grounded him. He led by example and was active in his church.

We will all miss his laughter, his childlike wonder, unwavering patience and endless love. Kurt was a loyal son, a supportive sibling, a devoted husband and caring father and grandfather. He loved unconditionally and was a steady and unwavering source of strength to his family. He could make you feel special just by saying your name and instilled in us all a confidence and a calm because we knew he would always be there, without judgement, to pick us up if we fell.

Kurt is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Jean and his children Heather (Cameron) Fischer, Mark (Kristin, Luke, Kendall) Hillenbrand, Colleen (Adam, Drew, Anna) Marshall, and Erin (Glen, Kurt and Rachel) Hertz. His siblings Manfred, Iris, and Ruth Hillenbrand and Elsbeth (Terry) Murphy. His brothers in law William Grams, and Robert (Waltraud) Henderson.

He was predeceased by his parents Leonhard (1974) and Emma (2007) Hillenbrand, his eldest sister Ingeborg Grams (2014) and his parents-in-law Fannie (1987) and Ernest (2011) Henderson.

The Memorial Service will be held at the Shellbrook Pentecostal Assembly on Monday August 15, 2016 @ 1:30 p.m. Pastor David Bodvarson will officiate. Interment will be at a later date at the Shellbrook Cemetery.

In lieu of other tributes donations can be made to Prostate Cancer Canada and/or Parkinson Canada.

Family and friends wishing to send private online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Tammy Smart, Director.

• Date : 2016-07-30