Leslie R. Hilke

Leslie R. "Les" Hilke, 84, of Altura died Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at Lake Winona Manor.Les was born January 20, 1924 at the Hilke family farm near Altura to Raymond and Mabel (Brown) Hilke. Les started farming at an early age with his father, Raymond, before serving in the US Army during World War II. After returning from serving his country, he married Evelyn Roth, September 4, 1946. They farmed together as a fourth generation Hilke Family Farm. The farm was Les's life, where he enjoyed dairying, working in the fields and watching things grow. His farming successes included being honored as a Minnesota Century Farm and he received an outstanding service award from Winona County Soil and Water Conservation. Les had a great love for his family, particularly his grandchildren and was a great role model as a husband, father and grandfather.Les was active in his community and his church. He served on the Altura Planning and Zoning Commission, the local School Board, was president of the Altura Retirement Home and had over 60 years of involvement with the St. Charles Veterans of Foreign War and American Legion Posts. He was an active member of Our Savior's Moravian Church in Altura, serving on the church's Joint Board, as chairman of the Building Committee and as cemetery sextant. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn, of 62 years, three children; June (Hank) Radintz of Orono, John (Wendy Marie) Hilke of Hudson, WI and Bruce (Wendy Sue) Hilke of Altura, grandchildren; Timothy, Allison, Mark, Aaron (Trina), Elizabeth, Ryan, Kimberlee, Eric, Jenna, Shelby, Seth, Garrett and Bryce. He was preceded in death by a daughter Jean Renee, a brother Earl and a sister Donna Walters.Funeral Services will be 11AM Monday at Our Savior Moravian Church in Altura with the Reverend David Sobek officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Hebron Moravian Cemetery at Altura. Friends may call from 4-7 PM Sunday and 10 - 11AM Monday at Our Savior's Moravian Church. Please share a memory of Les on-line and view his Tribute Video when ready at www.hofffuneral.com. Memorials are preferred to the Leslie Hilke Memorial Fund.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/36112