Earl "Bud" Hillerud

Earl “Bud” Donald Hillerud was born November 21, 1926 at home in West Bank Township, the son of Palmer and Emma (Joyce) Hillerud.  He was raised in West Bank Township, Swift County, Minnesota.  Earl was baptized December 25, 1926 and was confirmed June 22, 1941, by Rev. C.T. Jenson, both at West Bank Lutheran Church.  He attended country school in West Bank Township through the Eighth grade.  Earl served in the Army during World War II from 1946 to 1947.  After his discharge Earl attended Agriculture School using the GI Bill.

On February 15, 1948 he was united in marriage to Mae Lou Schneiderman at Big Bend Lutheran Church Parsonage, also by Rev. C.T. Jenson.  This union was blessed with 44 years together and two children: Judy Mae and David Earl.

Earl was a lifelong resident of Swift County.  He and Mae Lou lived and farmed together until their retirement in 1988 when they moved to his current home in Benson.  Earl also shelled corn for neighboring farmers and worked for the Milan Co-Op Elevator.

Earl was a member of West Bank Lutheran Church where he served as a Trustee and was a member of the Cemetery Board, later he joined Big Bend Lutheran Church.  Earl was also member of V.F.W. Post #4955.  He loved music…especially playing his accordion with Mick Carruth Combo as well as various other groups.  In later years he enjoyed playing accordion for local nursing home residents.  In his younger years he liked to play cards, go fishing, golfing, bowling, and snowmobiling with neighborhood friends.

Earl passed away Saturday, March 10, 2018, in Swift County Benson Health Services.  He attained 91 years, 3 months, and 19 days of age.  He is survived by his two children: Judy (Delane) Suckow-Olson of Holloway and David (Charlene) Hillerud of Montevideo; 7 grandchildren: Amanda (Eric) Behr, Amy (Justin) Ochsendorf, Jacob (Samantha) Suckow, Alyssa (friend, Dan) Olson, Adrian (fiancée, Justin) Olson, Andrew Hillerud, and Katie (friend, Tyler) Hillerud; 8 great-grandchildren: Morgan, Brady, and Luke Behr, Brooklyn, Kade, and Kendall Ochsendorf, Savannah and Rhett Suckow; other relatives and friends.

Earl was preceded in death by his wife, Mae Lou in 1992, parents, Palmer and Emma Hillerud; parents-in-law, Earl and Mabel Schneiderman; son-in-law, Garland Suckow; and special cousin, Evelyn Bakke.

Blessed be the memory of Earl “Bud” Hillerud.