Richard ‘Dick’ Hilleren
Richard ‘Dick’ Hilleren
July 8, 1928 • September 17, 2025
Richard “Dick” Hilleren passed away peacefully in his sleep September 17, 2025.
He was born in Willmar, Minnesota, July 8, 1928, to Jens and Ruby Hilleren. Dick spent his early years attending School District 45, a one-room schoolhouse south of Benson for eight years before graduating as president of the Benson High School Class of 1946.
After high school, Dick proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for two years as part of the Alaska Communication System in Seattle. Following his honorable discharge, he pursued higher education, first at St. Olaf College and the University of Washington, where he earned a degree in Speech Communications, and later at Yale Law School, graduating in 1954. A farm boy from rural Minnesota, he took great pride in the journey that brought him to Yale, where he also served as a resident assistant mentoring incoming graduate students.
His career began in the insurance field before returning home to Minnesota, where he became County Attorney of Swift County for eight years. He later joined the law firm of Barnard, Hilleren, and Spates, where he practiced for more than 40 years. During this time, he also served as Chief Public Defender of the 8th Judicial District, balancing his deep commitment to public service with his private law practice. His lifelong love of the law and belief in justice guided his work and earned him the respect of colleagues and the community alike.
June 25, 1961, Dick married the love of his life, Marianne. Together they built a family, raising their son Mark and daughter Elizabeth, of whom he was immeasurably proud. Family remained at the center of his life, and his devotion to Marianne and pride in his children were constant sources of joy.
In his later years, Dick resided at Whitefish at the Lakes Assisted Living in Crosslake, Minnesota, where he was known for his sharp mind, wit, and storytelling.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Jens and Ruby Hilleren; his sister, Lois Martinez; and his beloved wife, Marianne.
He is survived by his son, Mark (Nancy) Hilleren of Centerville, Minnesota, granddaughter Shana (Steven) Kuehn, five great-grandkids; his daughter, Elizabeth (Jerry) Lee of Ironton, Minnesota; and his nephew Eric (Kathy) Naeseth of Pendleton SC.
He will be remembered for his love of the law, his unwavering devotion to his family, and his pride in his Minnesota roots.
The family requests that, in lieu of gifts or flowers, memorials be made to Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson, MN in honor of Richard Hilleren.
Arrangements for a joint celebration of life for Marianne and Dick, to be held in Benson, will be announced at a later date.
