Leland Eugene Hillberg

LELAND EUGENE “Lee” HILLBERG September 8, 1952 – June 23, 2017                   Leland Eugene “Lee” Hillberg, age 64 of Park Rapids, MN, formerly of Ramsey, MN, passed away on Friday, June 23, 2017 at the Walker Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Walker.                 Lee was born on September 8, 1952 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Virgil and Beverly (Mosterdt) Hillberg.  It was in Sioux Falls that he attended public schools, graduating from the Washington High School with the Class of 1971.  He went on to attend the Ramsey Technical College in Ramsey, MN where he earned an Associates Degree in business administration-air traffic control.  While attending college, Lee met and fell in love with Susan Marie Laska-Tronson.  They were married on October 18, 1974 in Sioux Falls, SD.  This union was blessed with three children: Toney, Jane and Martin.  The young family made their home in Ramsey where Lee worked as a carpenter, building homes throughout the metropolitan area.  Later he gained employment as an instructor and business agent for the Carpenters Union Local #851 in a career that spanned over twenty years.  In 2004, Lee and family constructed a new home on property they owned north of Park Rapids, MN where they have resided ever since.  Lee drove truck for Dick Walsh logging until 2010.  He then began teaching vocational skills at Bemidji State University for two school years.  In the fall of 2010, Lee was diagnosed with Renal Carcinoma and underwent extensive surgery at Mayo in Rochester.  Throught his life, Lee loved the outdoors.  He especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, and four-wheeling in the Park Rapids area.  Lee was a private pilot and was proud to have owned his own aircraft in partnership with his father.  He loved the beauty and solitude of flying.  Lee loved being a father and grandfather.  He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and  teaching them valuable life lessons.                 He will be lovingly remembered by his wife and soulmate for these past 42 years, Susan of Park Rapids; his daughter, Jane Lee Hillberg (Dan Hallberg) of Monticello; his two sons: Martin Hillberg of Park Rapids and Toney (Stephanie) Tronson of Princeton, MN and daughter, Tammy (Kevin) Marshall of Kinnear, WY;  twelve grandchildren and six great grandchildren; his two brothers: Don (Lisa) Hillberg of Freeman, South Dakota and Terry Hillberg of Sisseton, SD; five sisters: Linda (Charlie) Hillberg-Clapper of Freeman, SD, Wanda (David) Hill of Marion, SD, Leisa Hillberg-Henley  of Lancaster, Ohio, Brenda Spencer of Sioux Falls, SD and Jan Borsma of Sioux Falls, SD; his very special friend and mentor, Russell Domino of Circle Pines, MN as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.                 Lee was preceded in death by his father.                 A celebration of Lee’s life will be held 7 PM Thursday evening, June 29, 2017 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids.  It will be a time of honoring and remembering a life well lived.  Visitation will begin at 6PM, cookies he enjoyed made by his favorite café, Itasca Junction, will be provided. A second Celebration Of His Life will be held from 6 PM to 8PM on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at the Anoka Knights of Columbus Council, 2421 4th Ave., Anoka, MN.  To leave on line condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com