John Martin Hilleren was born in Tioga, North Dakota in 1927 to Henry and Inga Hilleren. He passed away on Thursday, September 15, 2016 at the age of 89 at the Long Term Care facility in Tioga.

After serving in the Navy during the Korean War, John and wife Delores settled in Williston, ND to raise their family. John traveled all over the northwest countryside as a salesman for Thomas Auto Parts and could still recall the names of nearly all the early homesteaders in the region. He loved cars and even more, loved a good 'fixer-upper' that he would tinker on and then resell.

John and Delores took great pride in their lawn and flowers and spent their summer evenings and weekends watering, mowing, planting and weeding together. Red geraniums were always on display. In 1985 they moved to Alexandria, MN where John opened up Big John's Fix It and spent his days repairing motors. John's AA buddies were dear friends, and along with his cat KC, provided constant support to him after Delores passed away in June 2010. Later, John decided it was time to go 'home' and moved back to Tioga in May 2015.

He is survived by his children: Daughter Sandy (Tim) Towers - Nashville, TN; Son Mark (Daphne) Hilleren - Watford City, ND; Stepdaughter Lana (Rick) Ensrud - Brooklyn Park, MN; Stepson Glenn (Linda) Herreid - Hiawassee, GA; Daughter Linda (Gene) Reed - Christiansburg, VA; Sister Inez Stenbak - Tioga, ND; as well as many grand and great grandchildren.

Family and friends will always think of him munching on M&M's and enjoying an ice cold Diet Coke. And, we're pretty sure that's exactly what he's doing now. Funeral Services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Tioga - the same church he was baptized and confirmed in - on Wednesday, September 21 at 11am with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Graveside service and burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, Williston, ND where he will be laid to rest next to his wife Delores.