Delores Hilleren

On March 10, 1924 on a warm sunny spring 64-degree day, Delores Elvina was born to Casper and Amanda (Klongerbo) Smerud in Norway Township, Hillsboro, North Dakota on the family farm. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Norwegian was the spoken language in the household, as grandpa could not speak English. At age five, she moved with her parents to Mayville, ND, where her father accepted employment. This move enabled Delores to learn better English in order to start school. Delores was active in Luther League and sang in the church choir for many years. Every Christmas she sang, ?Glade Yul? at the Christmas program. In school she played in the harmonic band and was active in all music activities. Delores graduated in 1941. After high school Delores moved with her family to Williston, ND on Labor Day in 1941, where her father was employed. She began working at Rexall Drug Store where she was employed for several years. Delores married Arvie Herreid in 1945 in Long Beach, CA. A son Glenn Arvie was born in 1948 and a daughter Lana Jean in 1951. Their marriage ended in 1953. Delores went to Nurses training and became an LPN and worked at Mercy Hospital in Williston for 25 years. In 1954 Delores married John M. Hilleren in Glendive, MT. A son Mark John was born in 1955 and a daughter Sandra Gail in 1956. The family moved to Tioga, ND for four years and then made Williston, ND their home until 1984. That year they moved to Alexandria, MN and became semi-retired. Delores always had a crossword puzzle going and was proficient in arts and crafts. She enjoyed arranging flowers and gardening in the summer and was an avid reader. She was employed at the Douglas County Mall Floral Shop for five years. Delores loved all kinds of music, and gospel was her favorite. She was a member of Bethesda Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Delores E. Hilleren died on Saturday, June 5, 2010 at the Douglas County Hospital. She is survived by her loving husband of over 55 years John Hilleren of Alexandria; children Glenn (Linda) Herreid of Atlanta, GA; Lana (Rick) Ensrud of Brooklyn Park, MN; Mark Hilleren of Watford City, ND; and Sandra (Tim) Towers of Nashville, TN; eight grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents Casper and Amanda Smerud; brother Casper Jr. Smerud; and an infant sister. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at 7PM at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Alexandria with the Reverend Don Reisig officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-7PM at the Bethesda Lutheran Church on Tuesday evening. Interment will be in the Riverview Cemetery in Williston, ND. A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, June 10, 2010 at 11AM at the Riverview Cemetery in Williston, ND. Casket Bearers will be Seth Hilleren, Rick Ensrud, Tim Towers, Adria Ensrud, Bethany Ensrud, and Jenny Hilleren. Honorary Casket Bearers will be Casey Benning, Linda Herreid, and Christie Fiscus. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net