Paul M. Hilleren

Paul Michael Hilleren, age 64, of Glyndon, MN passed away on Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND.  Paul died from complications 11 days following surgery for glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Paul was born at Swift County Hospital in Benson, MN on Tuesday, November 26, 1953.  He was the first born child of Palmer and Eileen (Haarstad) Hilleren.  He was baptized at the farm in Camp Lake Township, Swift County, MN.  His sponsors were his father’s sister Amber and her husband Kurt Larson.  He was confirmed in 1968 at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson and graduated from Benson High School in 1971.  On December 30, 1971, Paul enlisted in the US Navy.  He was stationed in Norfolk, VA and served as a Hull Technician.  Paul was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1975.  He then returned to the Benson area until attending Detroit Lakes Tech from 1976 to 1978 for Autobody Repair.

On April 1, 1977, Paul was united in marriage to Debbie Alstadt.  They made their home in Perham, MN. Paul and Debbie were blessed with two beautiful sons, Eric Michael and Michael James.

On June 19, 1997, Paul was united in marriage to Carol (Matson) Blakeway and became stepfather to Tracy (Rikhus) Bebler and Mikayla (Blakeway) Boche.  Paul and Carol made their home in Moorhead, MN.  They fought three floods and subsequently moved to rural Glyndon.

Paul’s latest companion was Deb Scott.  Paul and Deb resided in Glyndon and continued their faith by becoming members of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Paul began his autobody career working for Darco Brothers in Dent, MN and then became owner/operator of Quality Autobody in Perham.  Upon moving to Moorhead, Paul worked for Selland Motors and Abra Auto Body.  He later served as Shop Manager at Amdahl Motors in Pipestone, MN.  Upon returning to Moorhead, Paul began selling paint and supplies for PPG Paints and worked for Ed’s Towing.  He later wrote estimates and appraisals with PDA for John and Marion Conlin.  Paul also did independent bodywork for various companies, including Clark Auto Sales, Ten 11 Auto Sales and Paul’s Auto Center.  At the time of his death, Paul was employed by SCA Appraisal Company.

Paul will be sorely missed by all who knew him, especially his two sons, Eric (Nina) Hilleren, Underwood, MN and Michael (Anna) Hilleren, Richville, MN; his only sister Linda (Bob) Welz, Melrose, MN; his only brother Peter (Kathy) Hilleren, Benson; his three grandchildren, Mason, Jaxson and Mac Hilleren; five nieces, Laura (Michael) Revering, Wendy (Kayla) Welz, Sara (Erik) Haider, Alyssa (Nick) Hard, Mariah Hilleren; and one nephew, Chandler Hilleren.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Palmer and Eileen Hilleren, whom he remembered most fondly.

There will be a visitation on Friday, September 28, 2018 at 6 p.m. followed by a memorial service to celebrate Paul’s life at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead in the Christian Life Center.   Interment will be at Buffalo Lake Lutheran Cemetery in Chippewa County, MN at a later date.