David Hilken

Dave Hilken, age 74, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, July 5, at his home in Winona after a brief, but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Dave was born on January 14, 1947 in Fairmont, MN, the son of William and Florence (Doxsee) Hilken; he was raised in Trimont, MN. He married Carol Peterson on October 25, 1966 in Houston, MN, and their union was soon blessed with two daughters, Wanda and Amy.

Dave was interested in becoming a barber; but first enlisted as a member of the US Air Force in 1966. As part of his service, Dave was deployed to Vietnam and honorably discharged in 1970. When he returned home, Dave completed barber school and started his career at The Golden Chair in Winona, eventually becoming a partner in the business. His story telling and witty sense of humor kept generations of customers coming back until Dave's retirement in 2011. Over the years Dave compiled an impressive list of hobbies which included, but were certainly not limited to, unique woodworking and creative projects, reading, showing dogs, and collecting artist prints. Fast cars, good books, fine cigars, and long cycle rides ranked high on Dave's list of favorite things. He was always up for an adventure, but was truly happiest at home in his garage drinking a hot cup of coffee with best friend and soulmate, his wife Carol.

Above all, Dave was immensely proud to be a husband, dad and grandpa; he enjoyed being involved in family activities and loved to watch his granddaughters play sports, often the loudest fan in the stands.

Dave will be laid to rest with military honors at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 16, at the Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery in Preston, MN.

Dave will always be remembered and forever missed by his loving wife of 54 years, Carol; daughters, Wanda (Erik) Leslie and Amy (Jerry) Schurhamer; granddaughters, Jordan and Madelyn Leslie as well as Mackenzie and Delaney Schurhamer; siblings, Dean (Kathryn) Hilken, Herbert (Jane) Hilken; as well as other extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Florence Hilken; older brother, Lynn (Valerie) Hilken; and an infant brother, Kenneth.

The family would like to thank the staff of Winona Health Hospice for providing exceptional care and support. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are preferred to St. Jude's Children Hospital or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Please visit www.hofffuneral.com to leave a message of remembrance on Dave's Tribute Wall.