Melvin Hillesheim

Melvin (Mel) Leonard Hillesheim of Sun City, AZ, 86, was born in Brown County, town of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, on February 17th, 1933. He went to heaven on Friday, February 1st, 2019. Mel is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mildred “Milly” (Dummer) Hillesheim. Mel served from 1954-1956 in the U.S. Army as a Tank Commander. Melvin was a Purchasing Agent for Heath Farm Equipment. He and Milly successfully built up and owned several restaurants and businesses plus real estate investments. He became a private pilot to manage travel between them. Mel is predeceased by his parents Joseph and Veronica (Rathman) Hillesheim and stepmother Rosella (Hoffman) Hillesheim and sister, Dolores Hillesheim; and is survived by wife Mildred, Peoria, AZ; Children: Mark and Vicki Hillesheim, New York, NY; Maria and Melvin Jensen, Peoria, AZ. Grandchildren: Kelsy, Sarah and Hanna Hillesheim of New York, NY; Jillian and Christopher Fleming and Elizabeth Jensen of Dallas, TX. Great-grandchildren: Clara and Cole Fleming, Dallas, TX; Sisters Lorraine Reinhart (of Medina, MN) and Marianne Bianchi (of St. George, MN) and brother Martin Hillesheim (of St. Cloud, MN). Mel was the kindest, gentlest Big man who would do most anything for you and was sure to have you leaving with a smile, a laugh and a good time. He will always be remembered as a good man who would help anyone. A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, Feb. 8, 2019 at St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church, 15800 N. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City, AZ. A luncheon will follow at the Menke Funeral & Cremation Center Sun City Room, 12420 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Benevilla.org in his memory.