Dennis Scott Hilleren

Dennis was born in Benson, Minnesota on October 22, 1950. From his youth, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, country music, watching Minnesota Twins and Vikings games, and farming. He graduated from Benson Senior High School in 1968.

He married the love of his life, Joan Carol Ehlenz, on September 8, 1979, in Minneapolis. Together they were blessed with three children. In 1992, they loaded the van in Duluth, MN, and moved to Grapevine, TX.

Dennis was a hard-working, dedicated professional, receiving numerous accolades throughout his 41-year career with The Great Northern (GN) Railway and The Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway.

In his spare time, Denny loved spending time with grandkids, attending Dallas Stars games, and serving as a member of The Colleyville Lions Club and Citizens on Patrol (COP) for the Colleyville Police Department. Around Christmastime, Denny was famous for being the Santa around town.

Known for his courage and optimism in facing serious illness, selflessness, generosity, love of life, easy laugh, and incredible wit, he will be deeply missed by all those who knew him.

Dennis is survived by his wife of over 45 years Joan Hilleren, children: Erica Ahmed of Euless, TX, Peter Hilleren of Great Falls, MT, and Jenna Hilleren of Washington, DC, grandchildren: Thomas Hilleren, Walter Hilleren, and Noah Ahmed, siblings: David (Billy) Hilleren of Evergreen, LA, Janet Benway of Orono, MN, Randy (Debbie) Hilleren of Cashel Township, MN, and Mary Jo (Luverne) Forbord of Langhei Township, MN. Preceding him in death were his parents Wilfred and Evelyn Hilleren.