James Hiltwein

Longtime Anchorage resident Jim Hiltwein, 75, died June 8, 2007, at his home, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer.
A funeral Mass will be at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at St. Benedict's Catholic Church on Jewel Lake Road, with burial afterward at Angelus Memorial Park. Rosary and visitation will begin at 2:30 p.m.
Rev. Alfred Giebel will officiate, with Rev. J. Michael Hornick concelebrating.
Mr. Hiltwein was born Jan. 21, 1932, to Gertrude and Frank Hiltwein in Casselton, N.D., where he grew up and went to school.
Jim enlisted in the Air Force in 1952. He married Betty Peterson in Dilworth, Minn., in 1953 and subsequently lived in Casselton. After his discharge from the military, Jim became a foreman for the North Dakota State Highway Department until 1970, when he moved his family to Alaska.
Jim was employed by Shell Oil as a plant operator, transitioned to Butler Aviation and retired from Butler as plant manager. He and Betty traveled for several years, then settled in California for a time. When he became ill, he wanted to return to Alaska to spend more time with his girls and their families.
His family wrote: "Jim's dream was having an RV and traveling, which he did upon retirement. He had many stories to tell about his travels and the people he met. He was always there for his family, and patience was one of his greatest attributes. He loved teasing and spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were so very special to him. He will be remembered for his loving generosity and just being 'Gramps' and 'Great Papa'. He never lost his sense of humor, even when he was ill and in pain. He will be remembered most as a quiet, gentle person who was always there to help anyone. He was a man of few words but great emotion."
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty; his sisters. Margaret Habiger of Casselton, N.D., Helen Losse of Roseau, Minn., and Maxine Bjerkebeck of Casselton; his daughters and sons-in-law, Sandy and Robert Bayer, Vicky Hiltwein-Hagberg and Mike Herrera, Susan Turner, and Wendi Hiltwein and Colin Flaherty; grandchildren, Sabrina Ben, Ryan Bayer, Adam Hagberg, Melissa Bayer, Jeremy Turner, Christopher Bayer and Amber Turner; and great-grandchildren, Adison Skinner, Alexia and Savannah Bayer, and Baby Girl Ben, all of Anchorage.
His grandsons and grandson-in-law, Ryan Ben, will be pallbearers
Donations to Hospice of Anchorage are encouraged in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements are with Kehl's Funeral Home.