Vesty Hillesheim

Vesty Hilllesheim was born in Stark Township in Brown County on October 7, 1921, the son of Meinrad and Bertha (Wiltscheck) Hillesheim. He worked on the family farm until enlisting in the Navy in 1942. He proudly served in the South Pacific thru 1945. On August 26, 1946 he married Mary Pascher in Springfield. Vesty worked in construction, cabinet making, and furniture restoration for 60 years in the Sleepy Eye and Springfield area. Vesty was a member of St. Raphael's Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion. He received the Bishops Medal of Service in 2004 and the Community Service Award from Catholic Aid in 2005. He crafted many beautiful wood pieces for St. Raphael's Church and St. John Lutheran Home. Vesty was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and recently enjoyed his three great grandsons. He loved going on fishing trips with his family. Vesty and his wife, Mary spent many hours gardening and won an award for having one of the most beautiful gardens in Brown County. The yard contains two Martin houses and a gazebo that Vesty built. He is survived by his children - Dominic (Sandy) Hillesheim of Dodge Center, MN, Vincent Hillesheim of Cheboygan, MI, Diane (Dennis) Grapevine of Brooklyn Park, MN, and Jeffrey (Becky) Hillesheim of Rogers, MN; grandchildren - Jennifer, Lindsey, Michael, Jill, Jaime, Theresa, Jodi, and Peter; great grandchildren - Samuel, Carter, and Quinn; brothers - Meinrad Hillesheim; sister-in-law - Sophie Kral; and brother-in-law - Art Sellner all of Sleepy Eye. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Mary in 2004.