Patrick J. Hitpas, age 77, of Breese, Illinois, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, May 19, 2025, at Trenton Village. Patrick was born on November 4, 1947, in Saint Louis, Missouri, to the late Edwin and Mary (Hustedde) Hitpas.
Pat lived a life filled with purpose, integrity, and kindness. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend—his favorite moments were those spent with his loved ones. He enjoyed golf, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, Billiken basketball, family vacations, winters in Florida, attending the theater, discovering new restaurants, and selecting the perfect bottle of red wine.
Pat earned his Bachelor of Science degree from St. Joseph’s College and later graduated with a Juris Doctor from St. Louis University. Pat was elected State’s Attorney; founded a general law practice; was elected to the Fourth Circuit of Illinois as a Circuit Court Judge; and finished his career as a private mediator.
Pat was a dedicated member of St. Dominic Catholic Church. He was a proud alumni and supporter of Mater Dei Catholic High School, and recognized in their Hall of Honor. He served for many years on the St. Joseph Hospital and Illinois Judges Association boards and was actively involved in the Knights of Columbus and Breese Lions Club. He also spent many hours volunteering his time tutoring, mentoring, and supporting his community.
Pat married Carol (Tonnies) Hitpas on January 30, 1971, and she survives in Breese, Illinois. In addition to his wife, Pat is survived by his children, Sara Baranowski, Brennan (Andrea) Hitpas, Alison (Nick) Galate, and Luke (Marie Jo) Hitpas. Grandchildren, Lucy and Owen Baranowski; Harper, June and Van Hitpas; Jacob and Roman Galate; and Gabriel Hitpas.
Pat is survived by his siblings Bob (Kathy) Hitpas, Monsignor Bill Hitpas, Marie (Gary) Niemeyer, and Jerry (Mary) Hitpas; sisters and brothers-in-law, Elaine Behrmann, Steve (Susan) Tonnies, Kathy (John) Frerker, Bob (Donna) Tonnies, Russ (Kim) Tonnies, and Eric (Linda) Tonnies; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.
In addition to his parents and an infant sister, Pat was preceded in death by parents-in-law, Vincent and Estelle Tonnies, and brothers and sisters-in-law Dennis Behrmann, Andy and Marian Kramper, and Michele Yeager.
We are grateful for the exceptional care, kindness and support provided to Pat, and our entire family, throughout these past few years.
Pat will be deeply missed, but forever remembered for the love he gave and the lives he touched.
A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese with Monsignor Bill Hitpas presiding. Interment will take place at a later date.
Visitation will take place prior to the service on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. and again Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Breese.
In lieu of flowers, plants, or other gifts, memorial donations may be made to Carol Hitpas for the creation of a scholarship in Pat’s name. These can be shared at the visitation or by mail to Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th St., Breese, IL 62230, who is honored to serve the Hitpas Family.
