Henry H. Hillje

Hillje, Henry H.
LATHAM - Henry H. Hillje, 91 of Latham, N.Y., beloved husband of Dona (Herring) Hillje, passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Kingsway Arms Nursing Center in Schenectady, N.Y.
Born in Troy, N.Y., he was the son of the late Henry H. and Helen (Becker) Hillje. Henry attended Troy schools and graduated from Troy High School in 1950. He served honorably among multiple units in the New York National Guard for 11 years. Henry and Dona were married on October 22, 2017.
Henry worked the majority of his career as a Field Truck Manager for International Harvester in Mt. Laurel, N.J., dedicating 33 years of service. After retiring, he went on to work as an Automotive Instructor at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy. Henry was a member of the Eagle Mills Volunteer Fire Department. He built his family's first home in the 1950s, was an avid gardener, enjoyed photography, riding on his Farmall Tractor and tending to his property of which he took deep pride in. He loved New York state but due to work, he lived a few years in Massachusetts and New Jersey and most recently wintered in Florida. He was an avid square dancer belonging to several Square-Dancing Clubs including the former Tamarac Twirlers, Single Squares, Acey Deucey, and Strawberry Square in Florida. He also loved to travel and attended countless World's Fairs. Family was most important to Henry and many family gatherings were hosted on his and Joan's property through the years. He lived his faith through his church service with First Reformed Church including consistory leadership and property maintenance. He will be sorely missed yet forever cherished in the hearts of those he worked with, danced with, served with and loved.
Survivors in addition to his wife, Dona; his daughters, Sandra L. (late Ron Welch) Hillje, Kathy R. (Paul) Clements, and Bonnie (Stephen) Cornell; stepchildren, Kerri and Jonathan Watson; as well as granddaughters, Julia (Arthur III) Dardia, Stephanie (Matthew) Karner, and Brittany (Brett) Nelson. Henry is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, Arthur IV, Isabelle, Charlotte, Abigail, Lillian, Miles and Henry; and brother, George.
In addition to his late parents, Henry was predeceased by his first wife, Joan B. (Hilt) Hillje who passed away in 2003 after 49 years of marriage; his son, Henry H. Hillje Jr.; and his sister, Carol (late Frank) Grovenger.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham. Funeral Service will take place on Thursday, April 11, 2024, 10:00 a.m., at the First Reformed Church of Wynantskill, 413 Main Ave., Wynantskill. Interment at 12:00 p.m., at Memory Gardens, Colonie. Church luncheon to follow at 1:00 p.m.
The family expresses appreciation for the loving care given to Henry by the staff at Kingsway Nursing Facility and his home care aides with special thanks to Kayla, Shadon and Danielle.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to be made to The First Reformed Church of Wynantskill, 413 Main Ave., Wynantskill, N.Y. 12198.
For further information or to leave a condolence message for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.