Frank H Hilsabeck

Funeral Services for Frank H. Hilsabeck will be conducted from the First Presbyterian Church in Holdrege, Nebraska on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. with Reverend Dr. W. Kirwin Stewart, officiating. Interment will be in the Prairie Home Cemetery at Holdrege with Military Honors provided by the Martin Horn American Legion Post #66 in conjunction with the U.S. Air Force Military Honors Team.

Frank Hern Hilsabeck, 93 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Monday, March 12, 2012 at the Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege. Frank was born February 21, 1919 in Holdrege, the 4th of 7 children born to Hale H. and Fredricka A. (Lundin) Hilsabeck. He received his education from Holdrege Public Schools, graduating from Holdrege High School with the class of 1936.

Frank was inducted into the U.S. Army Air Corps on January 8, 1942 and entered the war, stationed in Chelveston, England, where he flew out of the base as a tail-gunner on a B-17 Bomber. Having completed his 25 missions in June of 1943, Frank returned home and was united in marriage to Carolyn JoAnn Cobb in Holdrege on August 19, 1943. Following his re-enlistment, he was honorably discharged, with decorations, on October 9, 1945.

A lifelong resident of Holdrege, Frank and JoAnn raised their sons in this community that he was so proud to be part of. To this union three sons were born: Frank Hern, Richard Bruce and Thomas Cobb.

Frank was a long time Holdrege businessman and co-owner of Hilsabeck's Sporting Goods with his brother, Bruce, until their retirement in 1991.

Frank was skilled golfer and hunter, he enjoyed refereeing football and basketball locally and a great sports enthusiast. He was a 67-year member of the First Presbyterian Church of Holdrege, a lifetime member of the Holdrege Country Club, member of the YMCA of the Prairie, American Legion Post #66, the V.F.W. and an Admiral of the Great State of Nebraska.

Besides his parents, Frank was preceded in death by three sisters: Barbara Sullivan and her husband, Wallace, Mary Ann Burgeson and her husband, Roy, Kathryn DeMay and her husband, Grif; and two brothers: John Hilsabeck and Bruce Hilsabeck.

He is survived by his wife, JoAnn of Holdrege; three sons: Frank Hilsabeck, Jr. and his wife, Elizabeth of Lincoln, Nebraska, Richard Hilsabeck and his wife, Diane of Appleton, Wisconsin, and Tom Hilsabeck and his wife, Rebecca of Kearney, Nebraska; 14 grandchildren: Christopher, Spencer, Peter, Anthony, Tyler, Drew, Grant, Bradley, and Robert Hilsabeck and Tracey Lentfer, Angela Rodgers, Lisa Watson, Jessica Livingston, and Whitney Bean; 17 great-grandchildren; one brother, Robert Hilsabeck and his wife, Jean of Lincoln; sisters-in-law: Arlene Hilsabeck of Greeley, Colorado and Margaret Hilsabeck of Lincoln; and a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 16, 2012 at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege from 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

A memorial has been established in his memory and kindly suggested to the Frank and JoAnn Hilsabeck Scholarship Fund, c/o of the Phelps County Community Foundation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.