Glenn Hilbrich age 84 of San Jose, California formally of Griffith passed away on Saturday, November 4, 2017

Son of Edith nee Govert and Martin Hilbrich, and older brother to Margie, young Glenn thrived in Griffith, surrounded by extended family including dozens of cousins. Glenn later often reminisced about “dropping by” his Aunts’ kitchens on baking day for a chat and fresh, warm bread. After graduating from Griffith High School class of 1951, where he was Jr. class president and played football, Glenn attended Purdue University. The first college graduate in his family, he earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering and was active in the Triangle fraternity. At Purdue Glenn met Regena Houpt and they married in 1954. The couple raised four children, moving several times for Glenn’s career with General Electric. For many years the family lived in Springdale, OH, where the couple founded a youth baseball league. They ultimately settled in San Jose, CA in 1975. At GE, Glenn worked on a variety of projects, including as a senior engineer for nuclear power plants. As a parent, Glenn encouraged his children’s intellectual wonder and discourse. He also enthusiastically cheered them on during every academic and athletic competition and performance. In his free time, Glenn enjoyed playing cards with family, walking, reading maps, singing and attending Holy Spirit Catholic Church. In retirement, Glenn delighted in long walks and bus rides going to grandkids activities and working to improve local water quality, regularly attending Santa Clara County Water Board meetings. He also spent time visiting with and reading to older seniors. Throughout his life, Glenn was easily recognized by his ever-present, distinctive style of headwear, the fisherman’s hat.   

Glenn is survived by his sister Margaret Verkuilen  of Griffith, IN, his children: Greg (Grace), Bruce (Susan), Ellen (Bryan) and Sara (AJ) and his grandchildren: Rene, Heron, Megan, Kyle, Kelsey and D’Nero , also by his nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Martin and Edith, and his wife Regena.

 Memorial services will be held at a later date.

For more information please call White Funeral Home at 219-924-4100 or visit us at www.whitefuneralhomefogriffith.com

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