Daniel A. Hillenbrand's Obituary
Daniel Anthony Hillenbrand, age 86 of Batesville, died Monday, May 17, 2010 at his residence. Born July 14, 1923 in Batesville, he is the son of Clara (Nee: Enneking) and John A. Hillenbrand. Beloved husband of Mary (Mim) Homan Hillenbrand, they were married May 14, 1948 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Hillenbrand enlisted in the Army Air Force July 7, 1943 and served in the Fourth Combat Cargo Unit in China Burma and India Burma during World War II. He was discharged December 28, 1945. In addition to the American Theatre Ribbon, Pacific Theatre Ribbon, the Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal, he also earned three Bronze Stars, two Air Medals and Distinguished Flying Cross. Returning home from World War II, Mr. Hillenbrand joined his brothers John W., William A. and George C. Hillenbrand in the management of the privately owned Hill-Rom Company and Batesville Casket Company. He began his career in the purchasing department learning all facets of the family business. In 1964 Mr. Hillenbrand assumed leadership of the Batesville Casket Company and was elected President in 1969, during which time the company experienced many years of sustained growth. In his first year he increased sales by 62%. One of his more notable accomplishments was the development of the Monogard line of caskets which proved to be a game changer in the casket industry.The Hill-Rom Company and Batesville Casket were merged together to become Hillenbrand Industries and in 1971 became publicly owned. At the requests of his brothers he assumed leadership of the company being named Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer in 1972 for Hillenbrand Industries. During his 31 years in charge, he developed the management team that took Hillenbrand Industries through uninterrupted growth and eventually becoming a Fortune 500 Company. During his tenure as CEO, sales increased 1063% from $76 million to $884 million. He was most proud of his management team and the years of success they created. He retired from the company in 2003 attaining a remarkable record of achievement few leaders in American history can match.Mr. Hillenbrand was a graduate of Campion High School in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin and attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. He was a member of St. Louis Church, the Batesville V.F.W Post #271, Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271, Hillcrest Country Club in Batesville, as well as the Ocean Reef Club and Sea Island Club in Ocean Reef, Florida. Mr. Hillenbrand is survived by his loving wife Mary (Mim) Homan Hillenbrand; devoted father of daughters Diane Mary Hillenbrand of Cincinnati, Ohio, C. Lynne Vollmer and her husband Steve of Cincinnati, Ohio, Janet Claire Sherman and her husband Alan of Batesville; loving grandfather of Hilary Lynne Vollmer, Stephen G. Vollmer Jr., both of Cincinnati, Ohio, Mary Paige Vollmer King of Charleston, South Carolina, Daniel Hillenbrand Vollmer Sr. of Cincinnati, Ohio, Alexander Peter Vollmer, Meredith Clare Vollmer McLane, both of Chicago, Illinois and the loving great grandfather of Mary Claire Vollmer, Daniel Hillenbrand Vollmer Jr., Roxanne Doyle Vollmer, Virginia Frances Vollmer and Hannah Hillenbrand King. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by siblings John W. Hillenbrand, William A. Hillenbrand, George C. Hillenbrand, Mary Kelley, Helenrose Kohnen, Frank A. Hillenbrand and Clare John Deckebach.Visitation is Wednesday, May 19th, from 4-7 p.m. at the at the Batesville Casket Company Administration building located at 100 Batesville Boulevard in Batesville. Funeral services are 11 a.m. Thursday, May 20th, at St. Louis Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Batesville V.F.W. and the Prell-Bland American Legion. The family requests memorials to the Southeastern Indiana YMCA. Weigel Funeral Home, Batesville, IN, is in charge of arrangements.
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