Dennis A. Hilts

Dennis A. Hilts, 80-year-old resident of Barrett Care Center in Barrett, MN passed away peacefully on the morning of Thursday, October 17, 2019 with his loving wife, Nancy by his side.  A committal service and military honors will be held at 1 PM in Friday, October 25 at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, MN where he will be laid to rest.

Dennis was born on February 3,1939 in Bowbells, ND to Fred and Viola Hilts.  He was delivered by his grandfather, who was the first doctor in Burke County, ND.  Dennis spent his childhood years between Bowbells, ND and California; graduating from high school in Whittier, CA in 1957.  After high school Dennis roomed with Jay Martin, who introduced him to his sister, Nancy Martin.  They were united in marriage on March 6, 1960.  Dennis was drafted in 1962 and was stationed in California, at Ft. Ord for two years, with the US Army.  He was honorably discharged from service in 1964 as a Specialist.  Dennis began college at Cerritos College around 1964 and finished his college degree at Minot State University in North Dakota in 1968, with a Degree in Art Education.  Dennis and Nancy added daughter, Allison to their family in 1969.  The family lived in Wisconsin, Georgia, and upstate New York before moving to Browerville, MN.  Dennis spent most of his working career with Todd County Social Services, starting there in the mid-1970’s, and retiring after 20 years of service.  He enjoyed traveling throughout the continental United States, making it to every state except Hawaii.  His hobbies included painting, drawing cartoons, going to casinos, dining at restaurants, and spending time with family. Dennis also loved the many family dogs he had throughout the years of his life.  He had a rich sense of humor and loved a good prank.  Dennis was an adventurous and kind man. He had a fighting spirit which was exemplified in his struggles with farm animals, and his long and heroic battle with cancer. 

Dennis is survived by his wife, Nancy Hilts; daughter, Allison (Barry) Schmidt; nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, Frederick Hilts; mother, Viola Hilts; and brother, Fred Hilts.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association of Minnesota.

Arrangements are with the Iten Funeral Home in Browerville, MN.

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