Kenneth Joseph Hilleren
October 22, 1921 - June 29, 2006
Obituary
Ken was born October 22, 1921 in Benson, Minnesota, the son of Ole and Clara Hilleren. He spent his childhood on the farm and went into the Air Force in WWII. He married Sally Hanson from Duluth, Minnesota in 1945. After the war he joined Northwest Orient Airlines where he worked as a Mechanic, Flight Engineer, Co-Pilot and Captain. He flew extensively to Asia where he saw the re-construction of Tokyo, had memories of bringing home Korean adopted children and flying troops out of Korea and Vietnam.
Ken is survived by his devoted family, wife Sally, sister Bernice Hartman, brother Wilfred Hilleren, daughters Colleen Owings of Sacramento, Pam Schilz of Seattle and Deborah Hilleren of Portland; son-in-laws Richard Owings, Pete Schilz and Darrel Buttice; grand-children Hillary Johnsen, Kara Olmstead, Nathan Johnsen, Courtney Schilz, Kelsey Schilz and Taylor Owings; great-grandchild Colin Olmstead. He was preceeded in death by his brother Ralph Hilleren. Ken bravely lived with Pulmonary Fibrosis for many years before passing away on June 29, 2006. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fransican Hospice House, 2901 Bridgeport Way, University Place, 98466. Private Family Services held at Tahoma National Cemetery.
What comes to mind when I think of Kenny is his quiet demeanor, quick wit and friendly personality. He always made us feel very welcome on our visits to Seattle. Erica, Pete, and Jenna all shared their memories of Great Uncle Kenny and said it was their best family vacation, the last time we visited. We will miss his sunny personality!
Much love to his family
Sincerely,
JoanieHilleren
Uncle Kenny was a special person in the Hilleren family. Although we didn’t get to be with him as much as we would have wanted becaue of distance and time constraints, his life was of great value and meaning to us. We will miss him and wish comfort to Aunt Sally and family. David, Billy and family
I had the privilage to know Kenny from the day we were both hired as mechanics for NWA in 1947.at the overhaul base at Holman Field.We worked together shared rides together and traveled the same route in our careers from Mechanics to Captains at retirement. I always enjoyed talking with Ken.He was a fun guy and he always was one day senior to me my whole career.My condolences to Sally and the family.
Ray and Dee Dolny
I was indeed sorry to hear that Ken passed away. He was always such a gentleman in the air and on the ground. Over the years I looked forward to seeing him at the RNPA functions. My wife and I live on three Tree Point so Ken and I would talk about the changes there. We all head West, but he will be missed.
With Sympathy, Dave
Our sincere sympathy.
Randy and Mim Arntzen
I flew with Ken on his final trip from Clevland to Chicago to SEA. I had flown many times with him thru our common careers. He was always the perfect gentleman.a great pilot and a true friend. He will be missed.
Doris Dierks gave us the word about Ken, Sally. Our daughter Sally is married to Dan, one of the Dierks twins. Ken liked to tease and claim we were related. We flew together a lot, always a pleasure. Avie