HILLEN, John 1947-2012

HILLEN, SHIRBROUN, SORGE

Posted By: K.L. Kittleson
Date: 8/17/2012 at 13:17:46

John "Johnny" Hillen passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 16, 2012, at Country View care center, Waterloo.

He was born on April 12, 1947, in Mitchell, South Dakota. Severely autistic with a mind that never grew past the age of two, Johnny never went to school, held down a job or married and had children. And although Johnny never had the ability to form words into a sentence, when he heard a song he could sing it word for word and on pitch. "Jesus Loves Me" and "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head" were just two of the songs on his hit parade.

He also had an insatiable love of Pepsi, whether it was his or someone else's! He was loved by all who cared for him at Country View and Exceptional Persons Inc. His family deeply appreciates all those whose care he received.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Kathryn Hillen; a brother, Paul Hillen; and an infant sister, Helene Hillen. He is survived by two sisters, Linda Shirbroun of Glendora, Calif., and Karolyn (Irv) Sorge of Denver, Iowa.

There will be no funeral service but a private graveside service will be held on a later date at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens, Cedar Falls. Condolences may be left at www.richardsonfuneralservice.com .

Johnny's parents lovingly referred to him as their "Forever Child" that "someday we'll understand why." I believe now they do.

[Waterloo Courier - June 19, 2012]

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