Richard "Rich" Hiltner

Richard B. “Rich” Hiltner, age 88 of Melrose, died Sunday, October 25, 2020 at the CentraCare Hospital in Melrose, Minnesota.

A private family service will be held with interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Melrose.

A public visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose.  Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Richard Bernard Hiltner was born April 13, 1932 in Melrose, Minnesota to George and Agnes (Bussmann) Hiltner. On October 12, 1954 he was united in marriage to Dolores Stadtherr at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Melrose.  Rich hauled freight for Al’s Drayline and was a truck driver for Munson Feed Company before taking over the family farm east of Melrose.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose where he was president of the Usher’s Club, Catholic United Financial, and served as president of the St. Bernard’s Society.  Rich served on the Board of Directors for the Melrose Co-Op Creamery, Land O’ Lakes, and the New Munich Fire Insurance. Rich enjoyed visiting with his neighbors, family, and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Dolores Hiltner of Melrose; children, Duane (Carol) Hiltner of Melrose, Teresa (Dick) Zwieg of Carlos, Audrey Hiltner of Melrose, Donald (Becky) Hiltner of Melrose, Carol (Pat) Middendorf of Grey Eagle, Paul (Deana) Hiltner of Melrose, Brian (Mary) Hiltner of Avon, and Patrick (Katy) Hiltner of Hutchinson; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; six step grandchildren; 13 step great-grandchildren; and three step great-great-grandchildren.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Norbert Hiltner; and sister, Bernadine Muellner.

Serving as casket bearers will be Ryan Hiltner, Eric Hiltner, Tony Hiltner, Michael Hiltner, Alex Hiltner, Nick Hiltner, and David Salitros. Cross bearer will be Amanda Grundseth and scripture bearer will be Donna Hamel.  Honorary bearers will be Rich’s seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, six step grandchildren, 13 step great-grandchildren, and three step great-great-grandchildren.