Meinrad Hillesheim

Meinrad Edward Hillesheim Jr. age 87, of Sleepy Eye, MN died on November 21, 2022, at Sleepy Eye Care Center. Visitation will be on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel with a parish prayer service at 4:00PM. Visitation will continue on Wednesday from 10:00am until 11:00am at the North Entrance of St. Mary’s Catholic Church-Sleepy Eye. Service will be held at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church-Sleepy Eye, on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at 11:00 am. The clergy will be Fr. Mark Steffl. Interment will be at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Sleepy Eye with Military Honors provided by Sleepy Eye Honor Guard. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

The service can be watched at https://www.facebook.com/stmarysleepyeye/live

Meinrad Edward Hillesheim Jr. was born the 12th and last child to Meinrad and Bertha (Wiltcheck) Hillesheim on December 29, 1934, in New Ulm, MN. He attended country school at District 25 through the 6th grade and finished his education at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Sleepy Eye, graduating in 1952. Following graduation, Meinrad worked with his brother Raymond on the family farm. In 1957, he joined the Army National Guard and served his country for six years.
Upon being honorably discharged in 1963, Meinrad returned to the farm where he raised hogs start to finish. In his younger days, he enjoyed playing the button accordion for all who would listen. Meinrad’s favorite hobby was working with stain glass. He skillfully made beautiful panels, lamp shades, and sun catchers which many people are enjoying to this today. His other beloved pastime was gardening and canning tomatoes he grew.

Meinrad was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and enjoyed singing with the Caelian Choir for over 10 years. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus and Catholic Aid.
Meinrad is survived by many family members including 54 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Arnold, Clarence, Charles, Sylvester, Kenneth and Raymond; five sisters, Hatwig Guggisberg, Leona Braulick, Martha Nyers, Marian Sellner, and Rosella Ludewig; three nephews, Peter, Dominic, and Wayne; and three nieces, Maggie, Ethel, and Judy.