Lester Blaine Hilden, 95, of Highland, IL formerly of Cashton, WI, born May 25, 1922 in Cashton, WI, passed away on December 7, 2017 in Highland, IL.

Lester served in the United States Navy from 1943-1946. Lester was a high school teacher and retired from Cashton High School in Cashton, WI. He was a former member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cashton, WI, Lions Club International, American Banjo Society, Wisconsin Dairymen’s Association and founding member of Future Farmers of America.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Mary Hilden, nee Dahl; wife, Vivian Hilden, nee Bronson; brothers, Oscar Hilden, Ingvald Hilden, Elmer Hilden, Howard Hilden; sisters, Mabel Nelson, Ellen Bolstad, Lillian Paulson, and Eleanor Fredrickson.

He is survived by his son, John (Mary Jane) Hilden of O’Fallon, IL; three grandchildren, Capt. Andy (Ceslie) Hilden of Greenville, IN, A1C Matthew Hilden of O’Fallon, IL, Capt. Michael (Kate) Hilden of Omaha, NE; three great-grandchildren, Camie Hilden, John Henry Hilden, and Emmalyn Hilden.

Memorials may be made to Cashton Fire and Rescue First Responders, 811 Main Street, Cashton, WI 54619. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.

Memorial visitation will be held on Friday, December 29, 2017 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Torkelson Funeral Home, 720 Wisconsin Street, Cashton, WI 54619 and at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Cashton, WI on Saturday, December 30, 2017 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Cashton, WI with Pastor Amanda Schultz officiating.

Interment with full military honors will follow at Moen Cemetery in Cashton, WI.

Local arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home, O’Fallon, IL.

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