Gladstone, MI
John “Jack” “Pop” Richard Hillman, age 89, passed away Wednesday morning, January 7, 2015 at his home in Gladstone.
Jack was born October 6, 1925 in Gladstone, the son of Walter and Ruth (Peterson) Hillman. He was raised in Gladstone and graduated from the Gladstone High School in 1943. Jack enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country proudly during World War II. His service stations and vessels include Great Lakes, IL, Ft. Pierce, FL, USS Diphda, USS Bowditch, USS PCE 903, USS Patoka and the Navy Pier in Chicago. He was the recipient of the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal with 2 Stars, American Area Campaign Medal, Victory Medal and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Star. Following his discharge, Jack moved to Chicago and became a welder with Gallaher and Speck, an elevator instillation company. He also attended the Greer Welding School. He was united in marriage to Sally Ann Lippert on July 22, 1950 in Chicago. Their union lasted more than 64 years. In 1952, Jack and Sally returned to Gladstone. He worked for Sigan Logging for several years, the Harnischfeger Corporation for 17 years and as a maintenance man for Gladstone Housing until he retired at the age of 62. Jack was a member of the First Lutheran Church, the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post 71 and was a lifetime member of the NRA. He was an avid hunter, enjoyed woodworking, gardening and spending time with his family. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were the “Light of His Life”.
Jack is survived by his wife, Sally of Gladstone, two daughters, Susan (Tim) Deford of Rockford, MI and Mary Ruth (Joe) Earney of DePere, WI, his son, Michael (Mary) Hillman of Gladstone, 7 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and a daughter-in-law, Kathy Hillman of Gladstone.
He was preceded in death by two sons, Peter and John, his parents and his brother, Harold.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 10 from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military Rites will be presented at 10:45 AM by the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post 71. Memorial Services will follow at 11:00 AM with Pastor Lewis Hague officiating. A luncheon will follow at the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Upper Peninsula Honor Flight.
Dennis and Denise Vandermark
Denny and I are truly saddened to hear of Jack’s passing. We had the pleasure of several great conversations with Jack and Sally at their charming home and garden. Our deepest sympathies to all. May God’s love guide the family through this difficult time.