George Hillberg

Published 12:00 am Sunday, January 10, 2010

George A. Hillberg, 79, of Austin died Friday evening, Jan. 8, 2010, at Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin. 
He was born July 23, 1930 in Lead, S.D. the son of George Lloyd and Viola (Boyer) Hillberg. As a young adult, he worked along side his brothers and father for the Homestake Mining Company in Lead. During his high school years, he was an all-around athlete. He graduated from Lead, S.D. High School in 1948. He then attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D. where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. He also attained a Master’s Degree in Psychology at South Dakota State.
From 1953 to 1955, George served with the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Riley, Kan.; Fort Carson, Colo.; and Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, S.D. 
He was married to Dorothy Jean Olson in 1952, and they later divorced. 
George taught school in Lester and West Lyon School District in Inwood, Iowa as well as coached boys and girls basketball. In 1965, he moved to Austin where he was an instructor at the Austin Community College until his retirement in 1992. During his retirement, George spent his winters in Apache Junction, Ariz., where he enjoyed visiting the local racetrack, golfing and building many friendships. 
He loved sports, dancing, and was active in the DFL. He was an advocate for the working man and their rights.  George had a love of horses. He was a breeder of American Saddle bred horses. He was proud of his family and especially his grandchildren. 
He was a member of the Moose Lodge, VFW and an active member, and twice commander of the American Legion. He enjoyed calling bingo at the Mower County Fair for many years.
Survivors include five children, Mark Hillberg, Sherri Erickson, Lon Hillberg and George (Kim) Hillberg, all of Austin and Sara Hillberg of St. Paul; three grandchildren, Mark Erickson, Stephanie Erickson and Dominic Hillberg; one great-granddaughter, Lillian Lange Erickson; special friend, Ramona Peters of Austin and many other relatives and friends. 
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Richard and Jerry Hillberg and one sister, Maxine.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Pat Toschak officiating. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post #91, of Austin. Visitation
will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 12 at the Worlein Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. George’s final resting place will be with his brothers at Fort  Mead National Cemetery in Sturgis, S.D.
Memorials to the donor’s choice. 
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com. 
Worlein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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