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James Hiltwein Obituary

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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News on Jun. 13, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
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Sponsored by Sandy Bayer.

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Curtis Skredergard

December 22, 2007

When I think of Jimmy my thougthsgo back to about 1948 whenh I spent a few weeks with the family in Casselton. And the freeze frame in my mind of three combines in a barly field, one behind the other. Driven by Frank, Jimmy and Frank Jr. Also a short visit to Anchorage in 1993. He was always my inspiration when I needed to remain calm.

deb soland

November 28, 2007

Betty and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. thoughts are with you and yours.your neice, deb

Helen Losse

July 2, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
May your memories bring you comfort.

All our Love...

Helen & Ralph Losse
Steve & Tess Pulczinski
Brenda & Arlen Larsen
Helen (Punky) & Bill Blawat
Kelly & Debbie Pulczinski

Marlene Beistad Walen

June 27, 2007

Betty, so sorry to hear about Jim. I often wondered where you folks were living. I have good memories about our double dates when I was dating Harvey and our times at West Fargo High. My thoughts are with you and your family. Marlene

Larry Peterson

June 17, 2007

Sorry to hear of the loss of Jim.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sincerly
Larry Peterson

Lori (Brownlee) Haacke

June 14, 2007

My sympathies to the family for your loss. You are in my thoughts during this sad time.

Dottie Sutter

June 14, 2007

Offering my condolences to the entire family and thinking of our good times at The Alaska Clinic, remembering Betty, Vicky and Sandy. Your large family of loved ones will definitely help you through this sad time.

Dottie Sutter
[email protected]

Elaine Newton

June 13, 2007

The world is a better place because Jim Hiltwein was in it. I knew him as a gentle soul who, with his dear wife Betty, gave this world four very loving women. I’m privileged that I can call them friend.

Rhonda Hiltwein

June 13, 2007

I'm Jims niece from Casselton,ND. He used to come and see his dad and visit us when I was young. I thought he was a nice guy. I looked forward to him coming to visit. Our family will miss him.

Kathryn Hoffsetz

June 13, 2007

I just want to say that I did not know Jim very long but the short time I knew him I found him most animated when he was talking about his travels...the places he'd visited and the folks he met along the way. It was apparent he adored his family. He put in a lot of effort to attend family functions even when he was quite ill. I think of him when I drink coffee, something he told me he was quite fond of but was unable to drink more recently. I feel fortunate for meeting him and getting to know the great family he has left here for the rest of us to enjoy.

Randi Nix

June 13, 2007

My heart goes out to your entire family. He raised some amazing daughters...the ones I've had the pleasure of knowing are Sandy and Vicki. I know your loss is heavy and I hope you find comfort in knowing he is now in a better place.

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