Hillard F. Grack

Obituary

Hillard Frederick William Grack was born on November 12, 1938, at home in New Auburn Township, Sibley County,  Minnesota. He was the son of Ervin and Elsie (Polzin) Grack. Hillard was baptized as an infant on December 4, 1938, by Pastor Haus Werner and later confirmed in his faith as a youth by Reverend William Mueller, both at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Auburn. He received his education at New Auburn Public School through the eighth grade.

Hillard entered active military service in the United States Army on January 23, 1962, and served his country during Peace Time. He received an Honorable Discharge on December 18, 1963, at Fort Carson, Colorado, and achieved the rank of Private First Class.

On May 15, 1964, Hillard was united in marriage to Delores Becker by Reverend M.A. Schulz, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stewart, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with two children, Brenda and Greg. Hillard and Delores made their home on the family farm just north of New Auburn. They shared 59 years of marriage.

Hillard was employed with Fingerhut for 10 years, and the City of Glencoe Park Department for 30+ years before retiring in 2003. He was a member of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Auburn and served on the church council for many years.

Hillard enjoyed farming and tending to his gardens every summer. He loved to play the concertina with Earl Schmidt and Jerry Schuft and various other bands over the years. Watching his Son, Greg, play fastpitch softball was something he looked forward to. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time in the shop woodworking. Hillard cherished time spent visiting with his family, grandchildren, and friends.

Hillard passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at GlenFields Living with Care in Glencoe, at the age of 85 years. Blessed be his memory.

Hillard is survived by his:
Wife, Delores Grack of New Auburn, MN;
Children, Brenda Zellmann and friend, Paul Burandt, of New Auburn, MN,
                Greg Grack and his wife, Mandy, of New Auburn, MN;
Grandchildren, Nathan Zellmann and special friend, Amy Kaufmann, Matthew Zellmann, Taylor Mielke and her fiancé, Mason DeMars;
Many other relatives and friends.

Hillard is preceded in death by his Parents, Ervin and Elsie Grack; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Raymond and Helen Becker.