Paul J. Hillary

Paul J. Hillary, 93, of Hazel Green, WI passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at home surrounded by his loving family. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 21st at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Hazel Green, WI. Burial will follow in the St. Francis de Sales Church Cemetery in Hazel Green, WI. Family & friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday, February 21st at the church. The Haudenshield Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuba City, WI is serving the family.

Paul was born on September 9, 1932, in Hazel Green, WI, son of Delbert & Loretta (Huske) Hillary. In 1976, he married the love of his life, Charlotte Rutan-Slaats, with whom he shared 49 happy years.

Paul worked dutifully for 23 years at A.Y. McDonald Manufacturing, then 20 years at John Deere Dubuque Works as a foreman and safety supervisor, until his retirement in 1992. He also served on the Hazel Green Village Board, a longtime, proud member of the Hazel Green Fire Dept., and was a member and past president of the Dubuque Eagles Club.

Paul was a generous host who cherished time with his family and friends. Known for his storytelling, he enjoyed camping and road trips, playing cards, and gathering around the table for meals and laughter. A loyal fan of the Green Bay Packers & the Wisconsin Badgers. Paul created lasting memories for family and friends alike. Paul will forever be remembered in the hearts of all who knew him.

Paul is survived by his wife, Charlotte; his children: David (Sandy), Joe (Linda), Marlene, Randy (Heidi), Shelley (Jim) Gleason, Kelly (Tim) Summers, Dell (Berkley), Tracy (Kevin) Brockman, and Douglas (Yvonne) Slaats; his daughter-in-law, Cindy; 20 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law, Irene Hillary & Betty Hillary; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Chuck, his 5 brothers: Bert (Hazel), Ed, Dick, Pat, Wayne (Leona "Smokey"), and baby James; and 2 granddaughters: Kristen Summers and Devon Slaats.

The family extends a special thank you to the Hospice of Dubuque Staff and Haudenshield Funeral Home & Crematory for their compassionate care.

In lieu of plants & flowers, a Paul J. Hillary Memorial Fund has been established.

Memorials may be mailed to:

Haudenshield Funeral Home
c/o: Paul Hillary Family
P.O. BOX 825
Cuba City, WI 53807