Celebrating the life of
Ervin Henry Hietbrink
November 22, 1935 - June 06, 2017
Ervin Henry Hietbrink, 81, died on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at Hospice of Savannah.
Born on the family farm in Nebraska, Erv called many places home before moving to Savannah with his wife Janet in 1993 from Wilton, Connecticut. He was active in the Savannah community – as a tutor at Hesse Elementary School, as a Kiwanis leader, as a choral member of the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus and his home church choir, and as a volunteer mediator. He loved to play golf and root for his beloved Cornhuskers. Friendly and upbeat by disposition, Erv never met a stranger. Many will remember him for his ready smile and quiet acts of kindness.
After earning a Master’s Degree in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Nebraska, Erv went to work for IBM. He stayed with IBM for 32 years, eventually serving in executive management at numerous IBM sites, including four years working in Tokyo, Japan. After retiring from IBM Erv worked as a consultant on projects near and far, including extensive work in South Africa.
Erv was devoted to his family. He and Janet have three daughters and six grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Janet; his daughter, Anne Hietbrink and her partner Beth Shirk; his daughter Alison Nutting and her husband Tom, with grandchildren Lauren and Katherine; his daughter Amber Lupus and her husband Mark, with grandchildren Joshua Healy, Paige Healy, Ashley Lupus Fitzpatrick and Joey Lupus. He is also survived by brother and sister, Norman Hietbrink and Audrey TeSelle and their families.
A memorial will take place June 23, 2017 at 4 pm at Skidaway Island United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial gifts go to the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus (P.O. Box 11323, Savannah, GA 31412), and Kiwanis Club of Skidaway (600 Landings Way South, Savannah, GA 31411).
What a fine gentleman- through many years of baseball, golf, church- all memories that validate his goodness and importance in this world- and especially to his family. Thoughts and prayers to the entire family- The Lawlor Family
- Mike Lawlor and family, Savannah , Ga
Dear Jan and Family: I had the honor and pleasure of knowing Erv through the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus. Singing beside him was always a treat! His escapades while dressed up as a "dancing beast" in "The Magic Flute" project never failed to bring smiles to everyone's faces! Erv inspired me with his love of music and life. He always had something positive and encouraging to say to me and I will forever remember his perpetual sweet "teddy bear" smile! Erv was a true gentleman and will be greatly missed. May it be a comfort to your hearts to know that many are sharing your grief and are sending love and prayers. With sincere sympathy, Merritt
- Merritt Quarles, Savannah, GA
My relationship goes back to the Wilton Presbyterian Church in Connecticut-- it was a true pleasure to reconnect and then to visit with Erv many mornings in the fitness center, to find that his spirit, warm smile and contributions that helped form his character continued to be shared with so many, and in so many ways, to all age groups in Savannah. Though he will be missed, his legacy will shine on in the days ahead.
- Randy Hatch, Savannah, GA
May the good Lord wrap His loving arms around you during this time of sorrow and bring you comfort and peace in the coming days as you treasure the memories that will live forever in your heart. We were so sorry to hear of Erv's passing.
- Dean, Cheryl, Melyssa and Mechelle Hunter, Wilmington Island, GA
Janet and family - Erv was a generous and caring man. The world has lost one of its best. So sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathies. Sandy and Geoff Ingham.
- Geoff and Sandy Ingham, Savannah, GA
So long old timer. From your old timer friend Bob Sica
- Bob Sica, Savannah, Ga
Jan and Amber, we were saddened to learn of Erv's death. We have many pleasant memories of y'all when Josh and Chaston played Little League ball together. More recently Jimmie would speak of seeing Erv on the golf course. We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
- Jimmie and Carolyn Hart, Savannah, Ga
Jan, I have seen Erv in the gym 2-3 times a week for years. Always a Hi Paul and a smile. He was an impressive athlete because of his strength and the intensity of his workout. And before he left the gym, he was alway out front taking his blood pressure. We had frequent social commentary in the locker room and it was great. Especially so because we shared the same views on everything!! I'm really going to miss him. He was my friend I'm so sad for your loss. Love and prayers to you and your family Paul Kulbersh
- Paul Kulbersh, Savannah, GA
What a fine gentleman- through many years of baseball, golf, church- all memories that validate his goodness and importance in this world- and especially to his family. Thoughts and prayers to the entire family- The Lawlor Family
- Mike Lawlor and family, Savannah , Ga
Dear Jan and Family: I had the honor and pleasure of knowing Erv through the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus. Singing beside him was always a treat! His escapades while dressed up as a "dancing beast" in "The Magic Flute" project never failed to bring smiles to everyone's faces! Erv inspired me with his love of music and life. He always had something positive and encouraging to say to me and I will forever remember his perpetual sweet "teddy bear" smile! Erv was a true gentleman and will be greatly missed. May it be a comfort to your hearts to know that many are sharing your grief and are sending love and prayers. With sincere sympathy, Merritt
- Merritt Quarles, Savannah, GA
My relationship goes back to the Wilton Presbyterian Church in Connecticut-- it was a true pleasure to reconnect and then to visit with Erv many mornings in the fitness center, to find that his spirit, warm smile and contributions that helped form his character continued to be shared with so many, and in so many ways, to all age groups in Savannah. Though he will be missed, his legacy will shine on in the days ahead.
- Randy Hatch, Savannah, GA
May the good Lord wrap His loving arms around you during this time of sorrow and bring you comfort and peace in the coming days as you treasure the memories that will live forever in your heart. We were so sorry to hear of Erv's passing.
- Dean, Cheryl, Melyssa and Mechelle Hunter, Wilmington Island, GA
Janet and family - Erv was a generous and caring man. The world has lost one of its best. So sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathies. Sandy and Geoff Ingham.
- Geoff and Sandy Ingham, Savannah, GA
So long old timer. From your old timer friend Bob Sica
- Bob Sica, Savannah, Ga
Jan and Amber, we were saddened to learn of Erv's death. We have many pleasant memories of y'all when Josh and Chaston played Little League ball together. More recently Jimmie would speak of seeing Erv on the golf course. We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
- Jimmie and Carolyn Hart, Savannah, Ga
Jan, I have seen Erv in the gym 2-3 times a week for years. Always a Hi Paul and a smile. He was an impressive athlete because of his strength and the intensity of his workout. And before he left the gym, he was alway out front taking his blood pressure. We had frequent social commentary in the locker room and it was great. Especially so because we shared the same views on everything!! I'm really going to miss him. He was my friend I'm so sad for your loss. Love and prayers to you and your family Paul Kulbersh
- Paul Kulbersh, Savannah, GA
I don't know that I met the man though I did meet his lovely wife. I do recall that Anne attended the funeral service for my brother John in 1976, a courtesy I have never forgotten and will be forever grateful for. I am truly sorry for the loss of the gentleman.
- Robert P. Gray, Bothell, WA.
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
