William E. Hillmann

1935 - 2024

William 'Bill' Edwin Hillmann, 88, passed away peacefully September 14th, 2024, at Las Palomas Senior Living facility in Mesa, Arizona, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on November 15, 1935, he was the son of the late John Adolph Hillmann and Frances Fredricka Fuller. After graduating high school, Bill stayed in the Chicago area until 1997 where he owned his own direct mail advertising company - 'Hillmann Publishing Co.' From 1958 to 1960, Bill proudly served in the Army and was stationed at La Rochelle, France. He married Kathleen Eltvedt in 1979 and together they shared 14 very special years until her passing in 1993. Bill was lucky in love twice. In 1996 he was introduced to Mary Jane Dunham through mutual friends. As Mary Jane lived in Tucson, AZ and Bill lived in Chicago, IL, they decided to forge a new path forward in Tucson. Incredibly, Bill released his lifetime tickets to his beloved Chicago Bears, and said until we meet again, to the Chicago Cubs. Bill's passion for sports started in his early years when he played basketball and baseball for his high school. He was invited to minor league tryouts in Baltimore but had to decline the offer. He played tennis well into his 70s and was known to be a great golfer. Bill had great depth in sports trivia when it came to football, baseball, basketball, golf and tennis. When living in Tucson he and his wife Mary Jane attended many of the Wildcat (U of A) basketball games and referred to the players like his own children! Bill also had a deep love and appreciation for music. He had an extensive Album collection with a particular focus on music from the Crooner generation. Vic Damone was his favorite artist with a strong 2nd from Josh Groban. When he wasn't watching a game or listening to music, he was active in his local church in Tucson and made many friends there, and in his neighborhood (Fred and Lonnie to name just a few). Bill was predeceased by his parents John and Frances Hillmann, his stepfather Carter Harrison Donovan whom he adored, his brother Donald E. Hillmann and his wife Ruby, his brother-in-law Carmine Sorrentino, and his first wife of 14 years, Kathleen Eltvedt. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Mary Jane Whitacre Dunham Hillmann, sister Jackie Sorrentino, stepdaughter Diane Safin (Joe) of Arizona and grandsons Mitchell and Eric Chartrand, and one great grandson (Miles); stepdaughter Robin Krakora (Dan) of Arizona and grandsons Nicholas and Brandon; stepdaughter Joann Dunham of New York; stepdaughter Valerie Adams of Arizona and grandsons Hunter and Troy. Bill also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and thanks to the team at Las Palomas Sr. Living in Memory Care. Their care and support were extraordinary. On-line condolences may be expressed at www.awisechoiceaz.com.