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Russell Hillman Obituary

RUSSELL A. HILLMAN Pastor Russell A. Hillman, 76, died May 6, 2011, in Gig Harbor, Washington. Born and raised in Iowa, Russ graduated from Luther College in 1960, after serving 3 years in the U.S. Army. In 1964 he graduated from Luther Theological Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota, and began his 40 years of ministry. He served parishes in Billings and Bigfork, MT; Gillette, WY; and Gig Harbor, retiring in 2003. For 32 years Russ and Ann served God by working in a marriage ministry, Lutheran Marriage Encounter. Russ is survived by Ann, his wife of 50 years; his sons, Mark (Carla), David (Cathy), and Stephen (Jen); his daughter, Diane; ten grandchildren; and his sister, Maxine Swanson. A service to celebrate Russ' life will be held Saturday, May 21, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church by the Narrows, Tacoma, WA.

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Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on May 15, 2011.

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Brenda Petersen

June 12, 2011

Knowing Russ proved to me that life often has unexpected gifts and surprises in store for you. When I met him back in the early 1990's, he was only my mother's employer and we had a cordial relationship but not one of meaning. But Russ was one of just a few people who was able to see that I was truly in love with Anders and with only days to go before immigration asked Anders to leave the country, Russ married us. To his benefit I should add that we have now been happily married for 15 years. Russ went from being my mother's employer to being a trusted friend and spiritual guide. Later as we had children, he not only flew to Europe to baptise them, but in so many ways became an extra (and much loved) grandfather to them. And so now, nearly twenty years after first meeting him, I can say that Russ became for me, in so many ways, that special kind of family where you are not connected by blood or obligation, but by choice and love. Anders and I feel honored to have shared in his life and we mourn his loss deeply. He will always be a part of us.

Linda Dahlman

May 18, 2011

Dear Ann and family, I am saddened by the news of Russ's passing. I have always remembered him as a wonderful teacher and pastor. May God surround you with His love and comfort in the days ahead.

Marietta Kornick

May 17, 2011

Russ was an awesome friend to me and my family and helped us through a difficult time in our lives. He has always had a special place in our hearts.
Many sympathies to Ann and family.

Monica Reisch

May 15, 2011

I have so many memories of Russ. He was always there for me and cared so deeply for me all these years. I will miss many things about him but most importantly having that one person that would always say a pray for me when I needed it most. Hugs to the Hillman Clan

Marcia Sherry

May 15, 2011

I'm so sorry that you have to go through this so soon. An unexpected death is so hard to accept. I'll be praying for you and your whole family.

Gary & Jan Marsh

May 15, 2011

It's been a few years but we remember so many events and good words from both of you as part of LME. We're sorry for your loss.

former LME participants.

Dave Duttry

May 15, 2011

It is my opinion that Russ was a great man and an excellent leader.

Don & Sharon Bruening (Classmate)

May 15, 2011

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

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