Leslie Eugene Hillman, 76, of Austin, Minnesota, went to be with his Lord in the early morning of Feb. 25, 2016.

He was born March 22, 1939, in Blair, Nebraska, to John and Wauneta (Boyd) Hillman. He grew up in Rockford, Illinois, where he attended school. In his early years, he had various jobs from construction, counseling, Winchell’s Donuts and The Apple Barrel. Due to significant health issues, he was forced to retire at an early age. Leslie enjoyed being Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop No. 124, especially canoe trips and camping. He liked to write fiction stories, grow hydroponic tomatoes and was especially talented in the art of stained glass. For many years he looked forward to setting tipi up at the Big Island Rendezvous. The North Shore was his favorite place to vacation. Most of all, he loved his family.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 35 years, Glenda; Two step-children, Susanne Tischer (Randy Shroader), Owatonna, Minnesota, Samuel Sweetser (Jolene Wolters), Austin, Minnesota; children, Catharine Grahm, Beth Andresen, Rebecca Hays (Ronald Heinrich), Madison, Wisconsin, Jayson Hillman (Karen), Austin, Minnesota; seven grandchildren, one step-grandchild, one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Russel and Dale Hillman; a sister Unadine Harner; daughter Rachel Franklund; step-grandchild Brooklynn Shroader.

A private family gathering to remember him will be held at his home.