Obit: Hilts, Harry N. (1889 – 1966)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Hilts, Johnson, Simpson, Fritz, Goessling

---------Source: OWEN ENTERPRISE (Owen, Clark County, Wis.) 14 Jul 1966

Hilts, Harry (13 JAN 1889 – 7 JUL 1966)

Although he had been bothered and treated for a coronary condition the past several years, the family and friends of Harry N. Hilts were shocked at his sudden death, which occurred at his home a week ago this morning.

He had awakened and eaten a breakfast before complaining of sharp chest pains. He laid down on the davenport of his home and was stricken by an attack that occurred about 9:15 a.m., Thursday, July 7, 1966.

Funeral services for the retired businessman, who made his home here (Owen, Clark Co., Wis.) since 1936, were conducted at 1:30 Sunday afternoon, July 10 from the United Church of Christ, with Rev. Robert Goessling officiating. Burial was made at Augusta, where Rev. Guthrie of Augusta conducted the graveside rites, while member of the Huizen-Fritz American Legion Post of Owen and the Augusta American Legion Post conducted military rites.

Pallbearers were Lee Jensen, John Awe, Art Thompson, E.C Olds, Minus Munson and Henry Anderson.

Harry N. Hilts was born Jan. 13, 1889 in Augusta, Wis., the son of George N. and Elizabeth Hilts. He was a graduate of the Augusta High School and later attended the University of Wisconsin. After his schooling he entered the lumber business with his father and brother in Augusta.

On June 23, 1917 he was married to Zella A. Johnson in a nuptial ceremony performed at Augusta, and to this union two daughters were born.

He was a veteran of World War I, serving in the Spruce Production Division in the State of Washington. In 1934 he became an employee of the O & N Lumber Co., managing their yard in Colby until 1936, when his family came to Owen and he assumed the management of the firm's yard here, a position he held until his retirement.

During these past 30 years he had been active in the affairs of his parish, the American Legion, Businessmen's Club and served as treasurer of the Owen Kiwanis Club for many years.

His immediate survivors are his widow; two daughters, Mrs. John A. (Elizabeth) Simpson of Chicago, and Mrs. Allen (Barbara) Fritz of Milwaukee; four grandchildren and a brother, Leslie L. Hilts of Augusta.