Walter Hillman

Walter Hillman, of Warren, MN, living just over the cusp of the ripe old age of 100 years, died on Wednesday, April, 24, 2024.

Walter Raymond was born on April 18, 1924, in Warren, the son of Swedish immigrants Aaron and Elizabeth (Johnson) Hillman. His twin brother, Harold Morris, died at birth with Walter surviving at only 2.5 lbs. He was raised on Farms in Warrenton and Vega Townships, attending the Honerville and Markwell East Country Schools. Living 14 miles from town, Walter had to finish his education in 8th grade and start working for neighboring farmers.

In the winter of 1941, while he was making $15 a week as a farm laborer, the attacks on Pearl Harbor began a war that Walter would enter in November of 1943. Enlisting in the US Marine Corps, Walter completed boot camp in California before being sent to Sea School. Between May and August of 1944, Walt was on guard duty in Pearl Harbor then was transferred to the USS Intrepid, the largest aircraft carrier of its kind. He was one of six marines who made up Rear Admiral Bogan's personal security detail when not manning 20mm anti-aircraft guns. On November 25, Kamikaze pilots launched an attack on the Intrepid, nearly causing the crew to abandon ship. The ruined carrier slowly left the war zone and, after a brief leave, Walt was transferred to the USS Randolph where he finished his service sailing the South Pacific.

Following his honorable discharge, Walt returned to Warren and joined the American Legion. He was a member for 79 years and one of the last surviving servicemen of WWII. He was a 70-year member and past Master of the Warren Masonic Lodge #150 as well. Walt began working construction for various builders in the years that followed the war and built his parents a house in town in 1949- complete with electricity and running water.

On June 21, 1952, Walter was married to Eileen Sund in First Lutheran Church of Goodridge, MN. As he tells it, “I chased her till she finally caught me.” Walt and Eileen made their home in Warren where they raised their three children and were members of First Lutheran Church. In 1958 Walt started a construction company on his own and did masonry work for six churches in the region, projects on the Grand Forks Air Force Base, and Settler's Square, among innumerable other buildings and homes that stand to this day. In 1966 Walter and Eileen bought the Warren Hotel. Eileen managed the hotel and its kitchen while Walt managed his business and their properties. After 25 years of ownership and an increasing enjoyment of going south for the winters in their motorhome, they sold the hotel and moved to a home on W. Parkview in 1992.

A lifelong resident, Walter was acquainted with many of the families whose names still loom large in Warren, did work for most of its businesses, and was proud to have his own family carry his legacy down the generations. He was born in the old hospital, built the foundation of the next one, laid the cornerstone of the new hospital, and died in North Star Manor attached to the same.

Proverbs: 24:3 “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established”

Walter is survived by his children, Kathleen (Dwight) Peterson of Warren, and Debra Omdahl of Grand Forks, ND; eight grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Eileen, who died on May 15, 2017, Walter was preceded in death by his son, Steve Hillman; and his siblings, Harold Morris, J. Maynard, and Paul Hillman.

With deepest gratitude, we thank all the loving individuals who cared for our Dad, and for us, with respect and such kindness. We would especially like to thank the staff of North Star Assisted Living, North Valley Health Center, North Star Manor and the Hospice of the Red River Valley.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 2:00 PM, in First Lutheran Church of Warren, MN.
VISITATION: Tuesday evening, April 30, from 5:00-7:00 PM, in First Lutheran Church; and one hour prior to the funeral on Wednesday at the church.
INTERMENT: Greenwood Cemetery, Warren.

MILITARY SERVICE BY: Warren American Legion Post #27 and Marine Corps Funeral Honors