Thomas D. Hebenstreit

Thomas D. Hebenstreit

October 28, 1930 – January 21, 2022

Indianapolis- longtime resident of Carmel

Thomas Hebenstreit passed away peacefully in his sleep at age 91.  He was born in Juneau, Wisconsin to Dr. and Mrs. Austin J. Hebenstreit and grew up in Waupun, WI.  He was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy.  Halfway through he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War but was blessed to be chosen by Fort Riley’s dentist to work in the base’s dental clinic and not go to battle.  He knew too much about war from his older brothers, William and Andrew, who both served in Europe during World War II.

Tom met Mary E. Beers at high school basketball games and working at the Green Giant packing plant in Beaver Dam.  Mary’s mother told her if she did not like Tom, then he could date Carol, Mary’s younger sister.  That changed things and they married after college graduation.  As a newly registered pharmacist, Tom worked for Schwegger Drug Store in Green Bay filling prescriptions for the Green Bay Packers, his team till the end!  His physician dad had often recommended Eli Lilly and Co, and in 1956 Tom began a 35 ½ year career with them, many years in quality control for Lilly International.  The family moved with him to England for five years and he worked long stints in South Africa and Taiwan before retiring in 1991.  He truly loved working for Lilly.

Tom and Mary were active at Christ the King Church in Indianapolis.  He was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Meridian Hills and volunteered for Meals on Wheels and the Master Gardener program.  Tom was particularly proud of donating 78 pints of blood until his donations were halted after a bout with cancer.  He loved to travel, for Lilly and with his family, and made it to 69 countries and all 50 states.

Tragically, Mary died in an accident involving a drunk driver in 1983.  Tom would then meet Judith (Dible Kenny), another young widow, and his son’s Carmel High English teacher, at the Protestant Widows’ Group.  They were married for 37 years, living their final seven years at Marquette, near old and new friends.  Son, Michael, who manages Marquette’s restaurants always made sure they got the biggest lobster tail on Lobster Night.  Judy (or JJ as Tom affectionately called her) passed away, also in her sleep, just 45 days before Tom, no doubt hastening Tom’s passing.  Having both suffered through the early losses of mates, they were blessed to leave this world as they did.

Tom is survived by his children Ann (Brian) Ponty of San Carlos, CA, Michael (Sheila) Hebenstreit of Westfield, David (Mary Anne) Hebenstreit, and Daniel (Carol) Hebenstreit of Indianapolis; also step-sons Douglas Kenny of FL, Thomas (Catherine) Kenny of OH, and Robert (Sharon) Kenny of AL; and 14 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.  His children would say he inspired them with his work ethic, his emphasis on higher education, and independence, telling them all to “fly the coop” when it was time.  He also bribed each child with $100 if they did not smoke cigarettes by the age of 21; he knew the perils of smoking, having been a smoker until 1962.  His final enduring gift was his papers on his memories of his parents, Mary, his life and times.

Memorial donations can be made to Meals on Wheels, 395 Westfield Rd, Noblesville, IN 46060 or Marquette Foundation, 8140 Township Line Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260.

A private funeral Mass will be held at Christ the King.  Burial will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens.