Hilaire "Larry" Wittenbrink

Hilaire (Larry) Joseph Wittenbrink passed away on August 2, 2026, surrounded by family. He was born on February 24, 1934, to the late Hilarius and Stella Marie (nee Cragan) Wittenbrink in Chicago, Illinois. Larry was the primogenitor of his siblings, or “sonny-boy” as his mom used to call him.

In August 1961, he married Kathryn Margaret (nee Muzik) Wittenbrink in Chicago. Kathryn preceded him in death on November 29, 2003. Together they are survived by children Lynn Wittenbrink (Brian) McCormick; Jennifer (Roy Ortega) Wittenbrink; Mark (Pam) Wittenbrink; and Katherine (Zach Clark) Wittenbrink; and grandchildren Lauren Hefferon, Emily (Kevin) Ryan; Nicholas and Anna Ortega; Ryan, Madelyn, and Sean Wittenbrink; and Jacob, Guinevere, and Lucy Clark.

Larry married Shirley (Wojtys nee Sikkenga) in 2006. Shirley preceded him in death on October 12, 2022, and is survived by her children Leslie, Mark, Lisa and their families. Larry is survived by his brother John and his sister Margaret, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings Marie Clare and Robert, sisters-in-law Gail and Barbara Wittenbrink, and nephew Matthew.

Larry’s childhood was spent in Chicago and in Southern Illinois. He attended St. Henry’s Seminary in Belleville, Illinois, and graduated with a degree in Economics from DePaul University. Larry proudly served his country, joining the Army in 1956. Stationed in Okinawa, he had fond memories of his time in Japan playing ping-pong, volleyball, and climbing Mount Fujiyama.

After several sales positions took him to Colorado, Wall Street, Wisconsin, and Chicago, he landed permanently in South Bend where he made his career. Later in life, he and Kathy started Cragan’s Irish Import Shop, close to Notre Dame’s campus. He continued to run the shop until he was in his 80s.

Larry loved to travel. His children remember family vacations to Cape May, Orlando, the Grand Canyon, Ireland, and many camping trips. He was proud of having slept in all 50 states, and especially Alaska where he traveled with his friend Dave, famously sending home a 78 pound halibut! He made numerous trips with friends into Mexico, Panama, and Europe.

Larry was an avid golfer, and sports enthusiast - fishing, hunting, billiards, go Cubs! He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and Little Flower Catholic Church.

Larry was an affectionate and caring father and grandfather who shared his love of travel and adventure with his family. His friends knew him for his calm and sunny disposition. His family would like to thank the incredible caregivers at StoryPoint Senior Living in Granger for making his final years comfortable and happy.

Visitation will be held Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:30am, both at Little Flower Catholic Church, with a Military Honor Service after. Burial will be at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park in Granger.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Little Flower Catholic Church, South Bend, Indiana, or the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

May the road to Heaven rise up to meet him.

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