Wilfred Randolph Hilleren was born May 22, 1920, in De Graff, Minnesota, the son of Ole J. and Clara (Martinson) Hilleren. He was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at Buffalo Lake Lutheran Church in Grace Township, Chippewa County, Minnesota. He graduated from Kerkhoven High School and went on to attend Dunwoody Institute for welding. On January 12, 1946, Wilfred was united in marriage to Evelyn Galbrecht at Wooddale Lutheran Church in St. Louis Park. The couple was blessed with five children and 64 years of marriage. They lived in Cashel Township and Wilfred farmed his entire life until his retirement. He served as the Cashel Township Board Clerk for 49 years. Things he always enjoyed were spending time with family, especially his grandchildren, drives in the country, music, playing horseshoe, Whist, softball, and participating in 4-H activities. Wilfred was a lifetime member of the Buffalo Lake Lutheran Church and served in multiple positions on the Church Council. His passion was the restoration of the original Buffalo Lake Lutheran Cemetery in Louriston Township. He was called from this life on Monday, December 13, 2010 at the Swift County Benson Hospital. He attained the age of 90 years, 6 months and 21 days. Wilfred is survived by his wife Evelyn of Benson; his children: David (Billy) Hilleren of Evergreen, LA, Denny (Joan) Hilleren of Colleyville, TX, Janet (Keith) Benway-Gasner of Long Lake, Mary Jo (Luverne) Forbord of Langhei Township, and Randy (Debbie) Hilleren of Cashel Township; grandchildren: Becky, Gaines, Christine, Clay, Erica, Peter, Jenna, Micah, Zach, Meriah, Jaiden, Alissa, and Krista; great grandchildren: Addison, Brittany, Jeanne, and Marie; sister Bernice Hartman of Seattle, WA; and other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents Ole and Clara; brothers: Ralph and Kenneth Hilleren; and a beloved grandson Joraan Forbord.
