In a life filled with love, faith and creativity, Hiltrude “Hilty” (Carrigan) Kleshinski, 95, of Mansfield, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Born on March 11, 1930 in Mansfield to the late James and Hiltrude (Singler) Carrigan, Hilty’s life was a masterpiece of love, family and faith. A proud alumna of Saint Peter’s High School and the University of Saint Francis in Joliet, Illinois, Hilty’s passion for art was only surpassed by her love for her family. As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Hilty’s heart was always open to those around her.
Hilty’s Catholic faith was her guiding light, illuminating her path with strength and purpose. Her daily prayers were a sanctuary where she lifted up her loved ones and “stormed the gates of heaven” with special thanks and requests.
Hilty met Dick Kleshinski after high school while ice-skating at North Lake Park. Their hearts ignited and they fell deeply in love. On June 16, 1951, Hilty married the love of her life, Richard Valentine Kleshinski and together they raised six children: Kris (Tom) Moloney, Kathy (Rich) Morris, Ann (John) O’Leary, Beth (Alan) Gallaway, Rick (Julie) Kleshinski, and Jim (Oli) Kleshinski. She was blessed with 18 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and recently welcomed her first great-great grandchild. Hilty’s legacy is a testament to the power of love, faith and family, inspiring generations to come.
Finally, in keeping with her lifelong nature of never wanting to miss a party, it was so Hilty to enter the Pearly Gates just in time for Jesus’ birthday!
Hilty is survived by her six children, her brother and sister-in-law, Ed and Penny Carrigan, her sisters-in-law, Marilyn (Jim) Carrigan and Shirlene (Walt) Kowalski, and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Janis Kowalski. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dick, twin daughters at birth, her sister and brother-in-law, Peg and Bob Greenawalt, her brother Jim Carrigan, her brother Mike Carrigan, her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Joe and Cate Kleshinski, Ses and Lena Kleshinski, Leo and Mary Kleshinski, Bob and Mary Au, Charlie and Rita Sagasky, Bud and Helen Masters and her brother-in-law, Walt Kowalski.
Calling hours are Tuesday, December 23 from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 60 South Mulberry Street, Mansfield, Ohio, with a funeral Mass immediately following at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place immediately following the Mass at the Mansfield Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Monsignor Dunn Foundation at msgrdunnfoundation.org.
Hilty’s family is forever grateful for the compassionate caregivers and staff at Primrose who became like family to her. We can’t thank you enough for all your support, love, and care.
We are also very appreciative for SouthernCare Hospice who provided comfort to Hilty in her final days.
A special thank you to Saint Peter’s Parish staff for their assistance, Father Kaufman for administering the Anointing of the Sick to Hilty, Father Kishore for saying Hilty’s funeral Mass, and Herlihy Funeral Home who is handling all arrangements for the family. We are so grateful for all of you.
www.herlihyfh.com
Funeral Home: Herlihy Funeral Home
Website: www.herlihyfh.com