Funeral services and a Mass of Christian Burial for Deacon Paul F. Hittner, 76, a resident of East Moline and formerly of Davenport will be 11:30 a.m. Friday, August 30, 2013, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 4105 N. Division Street, Davenport. Most Reverend Martin J. Amos, Bishop of the Diocese of Davenport, will be the celebrant of the funeral Liturgy. In accordance with Paul’s wishes, cremation rites will take place following the funeral Mass. Private burial will take place at a later date. The family will greet friends on Thursday, August 29, 2013 at the church from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. There will be Vigil Service offered for everyone to join Thursday evening at the church at 6:30 p.m. There will be additional visitation Friday morning in the gathering space at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service.
Paul died peacefully Monday, August 26, 2013, surrounded by his loving family following declining health-related issues. He passed away at Genesis Medical Center, East Rusholme Street, Davenport.
Paul Francis Hittner was born September 30, 1936 in Carrollton, Missouri, a son of Arthur Aloysius and Claire (Wegener) Hittner. He graduated with a B.S. in Philosophy and Theology from the Gregorian University in Rome, Italy. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Latin from Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska and a Master’s Degree in Library Science from Denver University. He was united in marriage to Mary Loretto McMichael on August 15, 1964 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Kansas City, Missouri.
Deacon Paul was ordained on December 13, 1980 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Davenport by Most Reverend Gerald O’Keefe. He served at Sacred Heart Cathedral from December of 1980 until September of 1982, at which time he was transferred to Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Davenport where he served until his passing. Spending time with his family, golfing and coaching were a few of the things Paul enjoyed doing. He was instrumental in the formation of the soccer program at the Davenport YMCA. He served as past president of the Davenport Education Association, Serra Club of Davenport and Our Lady of Victory Board of Education. He also was a member of the teacher negotiations team for 25 years.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady of Victory Foundation or K-12 Catholic Schools of Scott County.
Surviving Paul are his wife, Mary, East Moline; children, Nicholas (Jill) Hittner, Urbandale, IA, Frances (John) Pugh, Olathe, KS, Claire Hittner Shafer, Solon, IA, Gwendolyn (Tony) Huke, Lee’s Summit, MO, Steven Hittner, Laura Hittner Lavallee, Christopher (Kristen) Hittner, all of Kansas City, MO; 13 grandchildren; sisters, Anne Girard, Overland Park, KS and Virginia Hittner, McAllen, TX; brothers, Herman (Shirley) Hittner, East Lansing, MI, Robert (Dot) Hittner, St. John, MO, and Tony (Nancy, deceased) Hittner of Salina, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Rosemary Olsen, and his brother Richard (Melba) Hittner. May they rest in peace.
Online remembrances and condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting Paul’s obituary at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.
