William D. ’Bill’ Hitchen

William "Bill" Dewey Hitchen, 87, of Moorhead, MN passed away on December 20, 2011, with his loving family by his side. He was the son of Henry Hitchen and Irene Edeline. He was born in Sanborn, ND on November 17, 1924. He then moved to Fargo, ND where he attended school and joined the United States Army. Bill served in WWII and the Korean War. On July 4, 1947 he married Doris Artamenko. The lived in Fargo, ND and traveled overseas during his time in the army. They moved to Crookston, MN and eventually made their home in Moorhead, MN. Bill also loved the life of truck driving where he worked for Glen Denning in Crookston, MN and Gamble Robinson in Fargo, ND. He also worked for Burlington Northern Railroad until his retirement in 1987. Bill will be remembered for his love of family and his big, kind heart. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping. He also loved to tinker in his tool shed, his yard and with his 1963 Volkswagen Bug.Bill is survived by his wife of 64 years, Doris; children, Mike Loretta Hitchen, Doris Pankonin, Linda Tom Kempel, Cindy Al Neisen, Mary Faus, Lori Ron Bellemare and Jodi Lein; 19 grandchildren, Chad, Stacy, Matthew, Bill, Wayne, Katie, Karla, Jamie, Joey, Lisa, Michelle, Mike, Christina, Brian, Aron, Brenna, Casey, Jenny and Jason; 26 sweet great-grandchildren; brother-in-laws, Jack Dixie Artamenko and Sam Polly Artamenko; and sister-in-laws, Pat Jansen and Gail Jack Sjurseth. He was also Uncle Bud to many nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert and Harlow; sister, Betty; and son-in-law, Rick Born. Dad, you will forever be our strong hero and father. Your strength and inspiration will live in our hearts always. We will miss you and love you always and forever.