Hubert Hillesheim, 80, pioneer, civic and cooperative leader in Sigel township for over a half century, died in a New Ulm hospital Sunday at 9:15 am. Burial will be in the Catholic cemetery. The body will be taken to Forster's funeral home Tuesday noon and will be there until the following morning. Mr. Hillesheim was a member of the St. Joseph society and members of this group will attend prayers at the Forster funeral home Tuesday at 7:30 pm. Prayers which the public will attend will be at 8 pm, the same night.
Mr. Hillesheim was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Hillesheim, Sr., who were among the first settlers in Sigel township, way back in the pioneer days. He grew to manhood on the home farm, and was married to Miss Barbara Lindmeier in Holy Trinity Catholic church Oct. 29, 1889. They made their home on a farm in Sigel township, and resided in that township until they retired in 1920 and moved to New Ulm. This was their home until Mrs. Hillesheim died in 1936, when Mr. Hillesheim went to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Armund Scheibel, in Cottonwood township. He has since resided there.
Mr. Hillesheim early became interested in farmer cooperatives as well as in improving telephone service in rural districts near New Ulm.
He was one of the organizers and charter members of the Sigel Cooperative Creamery company and served as treasurer for that group for over 12 years.
When a movement was started for the organization of the New Ulm Farmers Elevator company, he took an active part in developing sentiment for this cooperative. He was a director for over 10 years and did much during this period to develop business for this farmer-owned concern.
Mr. Hillesheim was one of the early advocates of farmer telephone lines and when the Minnesota Central Telephone company, which conducted an exchange in New Ulm, refused to hear the plea of farmers near to New Ulm for farmer lines, he was one of the first to start the organization of the New Ulm Rural Telephone company. He served as a director for many years, and saw the New Ulm Rural Telephone company grow from a small beginning until it became one of the best operated home-owned telephone companies in this part of the state.
During his residence in Sigel township, Mr. Hillesheim took a keen interest in civic affairs in his home community and served as a member of the school board in his district for many years. He was treasurer for more than 12 years.
Mr. Hillesheim was the father of 7 children, 6 of whom survive, and are: Mrs. Henry (Emma) Seifert, Sleepy Eye; Alex Hillesheim, Sigel; William Hillesheim, Sigel; Mrs. Henry (Frieda) Pechtel, Mahnomen; Ben Hillesheim, Cottonwood, and Mrs. Armund (Viola) Scheibel, Cottonwood.
There are 21 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Mr. Hillesheim is the last of his family, being survived by no brothers or sisters.
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