Dennis A. Hilk

1940 - 2025

Dennis A. Hilk, age 85, of Delano passed away Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

Memorial Service held Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church (505 Westminster Ave. SW) in Watertown with Rev. George Morris as officiant. Visitation from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service.

Dennis Alvin was born September 26, 1940 in Minneapolis, MN, the son of Alvin and Gladys (Lobitz) Hilk. He grew up in Waconia, graduating from Waconia High School. On June 7, 1958, Dennis was united in marriage to Shirley Bender. They were blessed with four daughters.

Dennis held a strong work ethic. He retired from Lyman Lumber with 20 plus years of service. He was also the owner of the Maple Store in Waconia for many years.

Dennis's free time was spent in nature, whether moose hunting in Canada, fishing, gardening or heading to his cabin in Taconite, MN. He loved the thrill of 4-wheeling and riding snowmobiles in the winter. He enjoyed watching and feeding the deer and many birds in his back yard. Dennis was proud of his German heritage and delighted in attending German music festivals. He formed his own baseball team for Maple and won several trophies. Dennis would take his girls along to Carver and Augusta when he would play ball. He delighted in time spent with friends playing sheepshead, cribbage, dice and many more card games. Dennis was also a fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Twins, when they were winning of course. No one could coach or referee better from their living room. Watching the wheel of fortune every night was a highlight! Dennis was tremendous at it and his family would always tell him he should be a contestant.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Gladys Hilk; infant son; grandsons Matthew Ryan, Matthew Barber; father-in-law and mother-in-law Howard and Alice Bender; sister-in-law and brothers-in-law Bonita (Marvin) Berwald, Gerald Bender.

Dennis is survived by his loving family: wife Shirley; children Kim (Scott) Stender, Cindy (Dan) Ryan, Brenda (Ken) Anderson, Shelly (Joel) Barber; grandchildren Kyle (Amanda) Stender, Kara (Mike) Loehrs, Rachel Ryan and fiancé Zack, Tiffany Anderson and friend Derek, Jonathan Barber, Korey Stender and friend Bailey, Anna Barber, Andrew Barber; great-grandchildren Josie Stender, Brinlee Loehrs, Bennett Stender; brothers Merlin (Sandy) Hilk, Laurel Hilk; sister-in-law Marlene Bender; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia, 952-442-2121, www.johnsonfh.com.