Evelyn Helen Hilleren was born October 7, 1921 in Clements, Minnesota, the daughter of William Frederick and Marie (Kahle) Galbrecht. She was baptized on October 30, 1921 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Clements and confirmed in 1934 by Rev. Motzkus at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Montevideo, Minnesota. She attended school in Clements and Morgan, and graduated from Montevideo High School. After high school, she attended teacher's training at the Windom School and taught for several years in area rural schools. Evelyn obtained a Bachelors of Arts degree in education from the University of Minnesota, Morris in 1971. She taught at Northside Elementary School in Benson for fourteen years. On January 12, 1946, Evelyn was united in marriage to Wilfred Hilleren at Wooddale Lutheran Church in St. Louis Park, MN. The couple was blessed with five children and more than 64 years of marriage. They lived and worked on their farm in Cashel Township for 51 years before retiring to Benson in 1997. She enjoyed spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her hobbies were taking walks, gardening and art. She loved to share her warm hospitality, home cooking, and encouragement. She was deeply involved in church activities at Buffalo Lake Lutheran Church for 67 years. Evelyn was called from this life at her Benson home on Tuesday, April 03, 2012. She attained the age of 90 years, 5 months and 27 days. Evelyn is survived by her children: David (Billy) Hilleren of Evergreen, LA, Denny (Joan) Hilleren of Colleyville, TX, Janet (Keith) Benway-Gasner of Long Lake, MN, Mary Jo (Luverne) Forbord of Langhei Township, MN, and Randy (Debbie) Hilleren of Cashel Township, MN; grandchildren: Christine, Clay, Becky, Gaines, Erica, Peter, Jenna, Micah, Zach, Meriah, Jaiden, Alissa, and Krista; great grandchildren: Addison, Brittany, Jeanne Claire, and Marie; sisters: Viola Koenen, Addy (Don) Lungstrom, Elly Burton and Pearl (Lee) Kendall; brother, Elmer Galbrecht; nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.Preceding her in death were her beloved husband, Wilfred, parents William and Marie; brothers: Alvin, Fred and William "Bill" Galbrecht; and beloved grandson, Joraan Forbord.In Lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to: The original Buffalo Lake Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund or Rice Hospice (designated to Benson Hospice) 301 Becker Ave SW Wilmar, MN 56201 320-231-4450 www.RiceHospice.com click "Donate Now" on the first page of the site.Visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/evelynhilleren
