Leonard J. Hilbrands

Leonard J. Hilbrands, 86, of Clara City, died Thursday, October 26th at Prairie Senior Cottages in Willmar.  His funeral will be 11:00 am, Monday, October 30th at Bethany Reformed Church in Clara City with interment and military honors in the church cemetery.  The service can be viewed online on the church's YouTube page.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.  Funeral arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Clara City Funeral Home. www.hafh.org

Leonard James Hilbrands was born August 3, 1937, on the family farm in Lone Tree Township, MN, the son of Fokko and Helena “Lena” (Caspers) Hilbrands.  He was baptized at Bethany Reformed Church, where he was a life time member, and served as a Deacon and Elder, youth group leader, and coached softball for the church team.

He attended District 44, just a mile from home, through the 8th grade, and later graduated from Clara City High School.  On April 24, 1957, Leonard entered the US Army and served his country until he was honorably discharged on April 17, 1959.  On September 5, 1964, Leonard was united in marriage to Sharon Smith.  Following their marriage, they lived on the home farm.  Leonard was a true farmer, raising cattle, and planting sugar beets and other crops, and always fixing in his shop.  He rebuilt a 1956 Chevy Bell Aire, that he had when he was younger.

He, Sharon and Terry had “Hilbrands Auctioneering,” holding many auctions over the years.  Leonard and Sharon enjoyed traveling together, visiting Germany where Uwe Hilbrands and family lived.  They also enjoyed trips to Alaska and Hawaii and spent some of their winters in Texas but most in Florida. Leonard enjoyed golfing, fishing and wood working.  After moving to Clara City in 1998, Leonard would make several trips a day to the farm to work in his shop.  Most of all, Leonard enjoyed being with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Sharon; children, Lisa (Todd) Fitzner of Renville, and Terry (Paige) Hilbrands of Clara City; three grandchildren: Shane (Kayla), Ashley (Brennan), Josh (Aimee); and eight great-grandchildren: Carson, Beckham and Ariya, Dax and Lydie, Peyton, Haley and Harper. Also surviving are his brothers, Bill (Lavonne) Hilbrands, Lowell Hilbrands and Lyle (Cindy) Hilbrands; and other family and friends.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Fokko and Lena; sister, Marilyn Boike; brother, Floyd Hilbrands; and nephew, Brent Hilbrands.

Dad is safe in the arms of Jesus.  Blessed be His Memory.

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