Hobert Winebrenner: 1921 – 2009
Hobert Winebrenner, 88, a resident of Merriam, passed away at 8:45 a. m. on Saturday, April 25, 2009, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne after an extended illness.
He was born on April 14, 1921 to the late Opal Ressler. His pride and joy was his family. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Marian (Poppele) Winebrenner; children Steve (Valerie) Winebrenner of Fulton, Md., and George (Jill) Winebrenner and Jane Ann (Bill) Stroup, both of Columbia City; grandchildren Kristina Tsuleff, Sarah Ball, Kara Kehoe, Joshua Stroup, Eric Winebrenner, and Kathleen Heimann; and six great-grandchildren.
Hobert retired from General Electric in Fort Wayne after 40 years of service. In his younger years he was a mail carrier for USPS. He also worked for L. I. Griffith in construction.
He was a World War II Army veteran, and served as a sergeant with the 358th regiment, 90th infantry division. He served for three years overseas in the European theater including Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Bastogre. He was honored with many medals including the purple heart with bronze cluster, silver star, five bronze stars, bronze arrowhead, French croix de guerre with Moselle-Saar Rivers Palm, and the POW medal. He authored the book “Bootprints” which chronicled his experiences in the war.
He was a member of the Albion American Legion Post 246, Ninetieth Division Association, and the General Electric Quarter Century Club.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a. m. Wednesday at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 315 S. Line St., Columbia City, with Father Larry Kramer, the celebrant.
The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p. m. Tuesday at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco, or at the church one hour prior to the service. A Vigil service will be held at 4 p. m. Tuesday at the mortuary.
Burial with military graveside rites will be in the Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, MT 59004
To leave an online condolence for the family in Mr. Winebrenner’s memory, please click on “Condolences” below. . .
April 27th, 2009 at 7:58 am
Dear Marian and families,
What a true American Hero. The sacrifices that Hobert and other young people made for the United States is …no words describe it. Just wanted you to know we are thinking of all of you in your time of loss.
Jack and Mary Hostetler {Carson}
April 27th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
I only met Mr. Winebrenner about half a year ago, but the few chances i got to spend with him, and what i have read in his book will go with me all my life. I am proud to have known him. I am grateful to him for coming to my school to speak. My father Glenn also sends his condolences, he says Hobart was a great man, a true Hero. My Brothers, father, and I are all very glad and proud to have known him.
Owen J. Stech
April 27th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Please accept our sympathy on the loss of Mr. Winebrenner. I know he will be greatly missed by his entire family. May the Good Lord grant him eternal rest.
April 28th, 2009 at 5:53 am
When I meet Hobert he was a patient that never complained and was always very pleasant. I learned that He wrote a book and I was very impressed but sad at the same time. He was a very heroic man and could not imagine what he went through. Hobert touched my heart and I will never forget sitting in his room talking to him about his book. I have since bought and read his book and now helping my nine year old son read it and learn some history. Hobert will be missed and I am very honored that I got to meet a kind, funny and loving man. Your family is in my prayers at this sad time.
April 28th, 2009 at 8:40 am
Mrs. Winebrenner,
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. My sister and I enjoyed our visit with you last summer talking about my dad, John Young. I sent a follow-up note after that visit, and always wondered if it arrived in your mailbox. Your husband was a very interesting man and we loved to hear the stories he had to tell!
I’m sure after so many years together, you will face a great void. May God wrap his loving arms around you and see you through these difficult days.
April 30th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
I met Mr Winebrenner many years ago, while storing my boat. I truly enjoyed his stories of the war, and gained knowledge from his life experiences.
I have read his book Bootprints, many times and I think of what he sacrificed for our freedom. He is a “true American”. I will Honor him always.
May GOD bless you and your family during this time of Sorrow.