Marianne A. Hilleren

Marianne A. Hilleren
November 23, 1928 • July 18, 2024

Marianne Alethe Hilleren (Kulstad), was born at her home in Halstad, Minnesota  November 23, 1928. She died July 18, 2024 peacefully at the age of 95 at Whitefish at the Lakes, an assisted living community in Crosslake, Minnesota.
Marianne was named in honor of her two Norwegian grandmothers and brought up in the Lutheran faith, being baptized and confirmed in her youth. She graduated from Halstad High School in 1946 and went on to pursue her passion for music and English at Concordia College, graduating in 1950. Continuing her education, she attended the University of Minnesota, earning a degree in nursery, kindergarten, and primary education, which set the foundation for her teaching career.
For over three decades, Marianne dedicated herself to teaching. She began with elementary music in Staples and Alexandria, Minnesota, followed by kindergarten in the St. Paul School District. Her teaching journey continued in Benson, Clontarf, and DeGraff, Minnesota, where she touched the lives of many students with her love for music and education. Marianne also taught private piano lessons to numerous students in her home.
Beyond her professional life, Marianne was deeply involved in her community and church, Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson, where she found solace and connection. She cherished her memberships in the Monday Club, Beta Sigma Phi, and Benson's Retired Elementary Teachers group, staying active and engaged throughout her life.
June 25, 1961, Marianne married Richard Hilleren, with whom she shared 63 years of marriage filled with love, companionship, and countless cherished memories. She is preceded in death by her father Jacob Kulstad, mother Alma ‘Sergie’ Kulstad and her brother John Kulstad of Sturgeon Lake, MN. She is survived by her devoted husband, Richard; her son Mark (Nancy) Hilleren of Centerville, MN; and her daughter Elizabeth (Jerry) Lee of Ironton, MN.
Marianne will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her wonderful friendships, her dedication to education, her love of music and her unwavering faith. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family, friends, and the countless students whose lives she touched throughout her teaching career.
A memorial service to celebrate Marianne's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson, Minnesota, in Marianne's memory.
Arrangements Koop Funeral Home, Crosby.