LeRoy Hillbrand

Hugo, formerly of Paynesville
October 28, 1919 - September 4, 2012

LeRoy Hillbrand, 92, of Hugo, formerly of Paynesville, died Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at Gracewood Senior Care in Hugo.  A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, September 10, 2012, at Paynesville Lutheran Church, in Paynesville.  Burial will be at Faith Lutheran Church Cemetery near Sturgeon Lake.  A visitation will be held from 5-7:00 pm on Sunday at Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville and continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

LeRoy C. Hillbrand was born on October 28, 1919 in Sturgeon Lake, the son of Royal and Nellie (Haney) Hillbrand.  He grew up on the family farm in Birch Creek Township where he attended Maple Grove Country Grade School and Willow River High School, graduating in 1937.  He continued his education at the U of M Ag. College graduating with a Bachelor Degree in 1943 and his Masters Degree in 1967.  On July 2, 1944, LeRoy was united in marriage to Frances Moore in Albert Lea.  To this union three sons and a daughter were born.  They made their home in Paynesville where he worked as an Agriculture Instructor for the Paynesville High School until his retirement in 1979.  LeRoy and France were able to share in 23 years of marriage before Frances’ death on March 23, 1968 

In 1969, LeRoy was reunited with a long time friend from high school, Eileen Carpenter, who also recently lost her husband.  They were united in marriage on August 2, 1969 in Mankato.  They made their home in Paynesville and were able to share in 36 years of marriage before Eileen’s death on Oct. 5, 2005.

LeRoy was a member of Paynesville Lutheran Church, the Paynesville Historical society and Paynesville Senior Citizens Center.  He enjoyed traveling, farming and spending time at his lake home and farm near Sturgeon Lake.

LeRoy died on Monday, September 4, 2012 at the age of 92.  He is survived by children, John (Liz) Hillbrand of Springdale, AR, Marcia (Craig) Thelander of Cedar, Steve Hillbrand of Sturgeon Lake and  Deane (Katherine) Hillbrand of Sturgeon Lake; two step-children, Laurel Ward and Robert Carpenter; 14 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren

LeRoy was preceded in death by his wives, Frances and Eileen; step-daughter, Linda Gilbert; and grandson, John Ward.