Memories of Prof. Hans Joachim Hillerbrand, PhD

In memory of

Prof. Hans Joachim Hillerbrand, PhD

Durham, NC, USA

September 13, 1931 - November 18, 2020

Sep 13, 1931 - Nov 18, 2020

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Maryann Feola

I studied Reformation history with Professor Hillerbrand during the 1980s at the CUNY Graduate Center. As a teacher he was brilliant, inspirational, and compassionate. What I learned in his class continues to inform my own thinking, teaching, and scholarship. I am grateful to have studied with him and try to pay it forward.

Sincere condolences to his family.

Written with sincere gratitude,

Professor Maryann Feola

City University of NY/ The College of Staten Island

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Scott Hendrix

My wife and I met Hans in Germany in 1970. We were there for meHe was visiting my

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Carl Hamill

Hans and Bonnie were both friends and neighbors in Croasdaile Farm and at Caswell beach. We enjoyed many evenings at their home among their friends. I enjoyed conversations with Hans on many subjects and wish I had been fortunate enough to be his student.

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$200.00

Raised by 2 people

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Werner Dr. Schmidt

1975, Malcesine, Lago di Garda

Hans and Theo

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Melissa Mills

Hans and Bonnie were dear friends. I first knew Hans when Duke recruited him back to serve as Chair of the Department of Religion. Then I had the opportunity to work with him the year that he served as Acting Dean of Arts & Sciences. Many years later, he befriended me in my role as Chair of the Education Committee for the Congregation at Duke University Chapel. He gave special lectures (open to the public) - on the history of the anti-christ (there are many such figures) and on the role of Art and Architecture in the history of Christianity. He also led a wonderful set of lunchtime lectures entitled Saints & Sinners. It turns out that our well-known saints had journeys that took them through remarkable learning experiences that any snapshot view would categorize as "sinner."

Hans continued to mentor me, including writing one of the letters of recommendation that secured me a place in the Duke Divinity Master of Theological Studies program. It was during these later years that I got to know Bonnie better. They treated me like family. Bonnie and Hans together were a whole. I miss them both. I thank God for them in my life.

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Carol Montague

Hans and Bonnie were very special to us. John Montague and Bonnie are first cousins. We have stayed in their home several time flying in from Washington State and then moving to N.C. After Bonnie passed away we stayed in touch with Hans and had many visits and some meals out together. Hans and Bonnie are surely missed. We are thankful to have known them, visited in their home, and to be connected as family.

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Will Willimon

News of Hans' death came as a complete shock to Patsy and me. Thanks for letting us know. We will look forward to the service at the church. He was a good friend and we loved knowing Hans and Bonnie and hearing reports of the family.
Will Willimon

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Barbara and Uwe Rechentin

The news of the death of one of our best friends, Hans Hillerbrand, reaches us with great sadness. Hans was like a father to us over the years. We have known each other since 1967, when Barbara spent one year in your family in North Carolina as an au- pair girl. The many mutual visits, both in Berlin and in Durham N.C. showed the interest in the life of our families. With his visits to Berlin after the death of his beloved wife, your mother Bonny, Hans found a home with us again and again.
We will miss Hans with his advice and his willingness to help, also towards our son Jean Marc. We very much regret that it is not possible to travel in these Corona times and those we cannot personally say goodbye to him. We will always remember Hans, your father, as a great honourable man.

Barbara and Uwe and Jean Marc, Berlin, Germany

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Joyce Sykes

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Joyce Sykes

We were neighbors of Hans and Bonnie for many years and thoroughly enjoyed many experiences with them. Most... Read more We were neighbors of Hans and Bonnie for many years and thoroughly enjoyed many experiences with them. Most memorable was Hans... Read more We were neighbors of Hans and Bonnie for many years... Read more

Carolyn Johnson

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Carolyn Johnson

Tim and I knew Hans from King of Glory Lutheran Church in Dallas, Tx. He was an active and well-known member... Read more Tim and I knew Hans from King of Glory Lutheran Church in Dallas, Tx. He was an active and well-known member and very willing ... Read more Tim and I knew Hans from King of Glory Lutheran Church... Read more