Daniel E. Hitpas

Saturday, January 6, 2024  8:30-10:15 a.m.

Moss Funeral Home, Breese

Saturday, January 6, 2024

10:30 a.m.

St. Dominic Catholic Church, Breese

Daniel Edwin Hitpas, 79, of Breese, IL, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Trenton Village in Trenton, IL. He was born on Tuesday, August 8, 1944, at St. Mary’s Hospital in East St. Louis, IL, to the late Joseph and Mildred Hitpas (nee Kueneke).

In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Donna Hitpas.

Dan is survived by his brothers and sister, Fr. Joseph Hitpas of Belleville, IL, Tom (Diane) Hitpas of Westminster, CO, Gary Hitpas of New Baden, IL, and Jill (Scott) Grabinger of Centennial, CO. He leaves behind beloved nieces and nephews: Cassie (Dan) Varel of Nashville, IL, Corrie (Chris) Huber of Overland Park, KS, Callie (Brent) Terveer of Edwardsville, IL, Mike (Sarah) Grabinger of San Diego, CA, Lindsay (Rick) Otipoby of Denver, CO, and Amanda (Nick) Maydew of Fort Collins, CO. Also cherishing his memory are great-nieces and great-nephews: Delaney, Reese, and Grady Varel, Charlie, Jack, and Henry Huber, Henley, Heath, and Hayes Terveer, Addie and Bailey Grabinger, and Luke and Grace Otipoby. Dan's thoughtful nature extended to never missing a birthday for any of his family members.

Dan graduated from St. Dominic’s Grade School and Mater Dei Catholic High School, Class of 1962. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and later obtained a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Missouri at St. Louis. Dan dedicated thirty-four years of his professional life to Northwest High School in House Springs, MO, serving twenty-six years as a Math Teacher and eight years as a Guidance Counselor. His commitment to education earned him the Jefferson County Missouri NEA Teacher of the Year Award in 1984. Dan's impact on his students was profound, inspiring many to pursue higher education.

A passionate runner turned dedicated walker, Dan actively participated in numerous marathons, 5K, and 10K events, being a proud member of the St. Louis Track Club. His love for travel took him across the United States, Canada, and Europe. Dan was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in House Springs, MO, and later rejoined St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese after retiring in 2001.

Daniel Edwin Hitpas will be remembered for his kindness, dedication, and unwavering support for his family and community.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese with Fr. Joseph Hitpas and Fr. Patrick Peter concelebrating.  Interment will follow at St. Dominic/St. Augustine Cemetery, Breese.

Visitation will be Saturday, January 6, 2024 from 8:30-10:15 a.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Breese.

In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to Mater Dei Catholic High School or St. Dominic Catholic Church and will be received at the visitation or by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th St. Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.