of Fairfield Bay, AR
January 22, 1929 - February 27, 2019
Manfred Hilsenrath, Fred to most of his friends and family, age 90, passed away quietly at home in Fairfield Bay, Arkansas on February 27, 2019. He was born January 22, 1929 in Leipzig, Germany, the second son of David and Annie Hilsenrath. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Edgar Hilsenrath. He is survived by his loving wife, Eleanor Daniels Hilsenrath, his sons, Peter and Tom Hilsenrath, his stepsons, Michael, Paul, and Alex Daniels, three wonderful daughters-in-law, and seven grandchildren.
Fred's family endured the horrors of Hitler Germany with his father hiding in France, while his mother, brother, and Fred were interred in a Romanian administered ghetto camp in the Ukraine, Mogilev-Podolsk. After the war, Fred and his mother walked much of the way to France to be reunited with his father. Fred was able to go to high school in France and emigrated to the U.S. in 1949 to study engineering at City College of New York. After graduation he was hired by Lockheed in California and was offered a scholarship to get a Master's degree in electrical engineering at Stanford University. His career with Lockheed, IBM, Ampex, and back to Lockheed was filled with the challenges of staying up to date with the changes in electronic engineering, from vacuum tubes to space exploration. He and his family moved back to New York for a number of years to be closer to family, but found the draw of the West Coast irresistible and returned in 1964.
Fred's devotion to family was strong throughout his life, taking his sons hiking, boating, and camping in California, New York, Europe and Israel. He taught college courses at night to provide the funds so his sons could pursue doctorate degrees without debt. He was the catalyst for reunions of the Hoenigsbergs, his mother's family, scattered across the planet by Hitler's Germany.
Upon retirement from Lockheed, Fred and Eleanor realized their dream of living in southern France for a year giving their many guests the gift of Fred's language skills, French, German, and English. Retirement also brought them to Fairfield Bay, Arkansas in 2004, where they built their dream home on Greers Ferry Lake with pontoon boat, canoe, and kayaks. He was always an avid outdoorsman. Having children, grandchildren, and many other family and friends to visit them in the summers gave them the opportunity to share the beautiful lake.
Fred became a Rotarian in Fairfield Bay and was often asked to share his wartime memories with groups throughout the state. He was a wonderful speaker with a soft, but effective voice and even in an auditorium, with 600 middle school kids, every ear in the room was focused on his story. His ability not to show resentment for persecution of Jews by Hitler's Germany, which evolved in his later years, came through in his public speaking. In spite of the adversity of his early life, he pursued his dream of electrical engineering and persuasively advocated young people to find their calling. "Find your passion, early, and pursue it, even if adversity comes your way." We may never know how many lives he influenced, but for many, including his children and grandchildren, his effect will be long lasting.
A memorial service will be Saturday, March 30, 2019 at Fairfield Bay Conference Center at 3:30 p.m.
For online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com
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13 Condolence(s)
Hank and Jeanette Voss
Friday, March 29, 2019
Fred Hilsenrath left a big impact on the Voss Family. His endearing presence was felt by all of us who knew him. His love of fine food, classical music, and good conversation always left us feeling we had been in the presence of an exceptional and humble man. We referred to Fred as Dr. Hilsenrath often. There was no doubt to his brilliance and ability. He also blessed and mentored our children. Fred and Eleanor’s hospitality and generosity was experienced many time over the years. We will miss you Fred.
joseph A baxter
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
I meet Fred when I was asked to work on his hot tub. I was then his repair man for the remainder of his time. It was such an honor to meet and spend the time my wife and I got with Fred and his very nice wife. Having lunch with them was amazing. Thank you for the memories and may you rest in peace. Prayers to Mrs. Hilsenwrath and you family.
Sincerely
Joseph Baxter
Bob and Kathy Snow
Saturday, March 9, 2019
I could listen to Fred tell stories for hours. He was a fascinating man with a wealth of historical knowledge and experiences. RIP FRED.
BOB SNOW
Jennifer Garrard
Saturday, March 9, 2019
Love from all of us to all of you💚
Theresa, Gina, Jennifer, Christophe, Blaine, and Paxton
Allan Bennett
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
I had the pleasure of spending a few days in 2011 with Fred and Eleanor in Lodi at the home of my good friends Peter and Grace. After our initial "hellos" it seemed as if I had known Fred and Eleanor for years. They both entertained us all, especially their granddaughters Julia and Sarah, with many interesting stories of their experiences in all parts of the world. I had a chance to reciprocate to some extent when Fred and Eleanor attended a lecture that I gave to Peter's students at UoP. While my presentation wasn't nearly as fascinating as Fred's stories, I did see his engineer's eye light up when I had to use a logarithmic scale to show the growth of Greek interest rates. My best to all of Fred and Eleanor's family at this difficult time.
Arne Olav Solberg
Sunday, March 3, 2019
In memory of Fred.
A big loss for all of us.
Words become poor in such a moment.
Fred was an extraordinary great person who has now found his rest.
Fred was a friend who meant very much to me.
The loss is great, but the many good memories will forever be bright spots.
No one can take Fred’s place in my memory. In our common difficult times, his wisdom and care was an irreplaceable support.
The good conversations in the jacuzzi, the good dinners.
Thanks for the trip to Florence Lake and the canoe trip down the Russian River.
Your professional knowledge has set eternal traces.
Thanks to Eleanor who gave Fred the best years.
To the family - we share the grief with you
Our deepest compassion.
Margot and Arne
Mark Mohr
Sunday, March 3, 2019
An amazing man and a good soul.
Karen Brockett Kizer
Saturday, March 2, 2019
Every moment ever spent with Fred and Eleanor has been a true joy. Like so many, I found Fred to be a warm hearted facinating storyteller.Made even more facinating because his stories came from his real life experiences. FFB has lost a treasure,as we all have. Love and prayers for Eleanor and has entire family.
Phil and Nong Mony (Michele and Michael)
Saturday, March 2, 2019
Dear Fred - we had such a short time to know you - but we will never forget you ... you were a warm person and i loved your sense of humor
Dear Eleanor - our condolences- you are always in our thoughts
with much love and respect Phil Nong Michele and Michael Mony
Ron and Sharon Robinson
Friday, March 1, 2019
Ron and I will always be grateful that we knew Fred. We were overwhelmed by his story and grew in admiration for this sweet man. His love of life and family was obvious in everything he did. He touched our lives and we will never forget him. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Eleanor and his family.
Jessica Crabtree
Thursday, February 28, 2019
This gentleman is one of the most magnificent souls I have been privileged to meet. Only very few great individuals the world has known can combine such brilliance and fortitude with benevolent humility and kindness. I will always treasure the time and long conversations, his generous hospitality, and and gentle wisdom. He burned a bright light in this small community. Rest well among the stars, dear friend!
Lise Neave
Thursday, February 28, 2019
I had the distinct honor of meeting this gentleman and his beautiful bride and was graciously invited into their home to visit with him. What a joyful and soft spoken man he was. The wonderful true history learning lessons he told me about. May he Rest In Peace and much love to Eleanor. Lise Neave LPN Ozark Home Health
ERNIE AND THEA SITTENFELD
Thursday, February 28, 2019
we will miss our wonderful cousin and always cherish all the
special times we spent together. Manfred was a remarkable man.
With great LOVE,
Ernie and Thea