Harry F. Hilligas 1897-1956

HILLIGAS, KELLERMAN, MEYERS, MYERS, LOSCHEN

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 10/19/2008 at 09:19:38

Brooklyn (IA) Chronicle; June 7, 1956

RITES HELD SUNDAY FOR HARRY HILLIGAS

Harry Hilligas of Chelsea, 59, died last Friday morning at Corn Belt hospital in Belle Plaine following many years of illness. During World War I he contracted a respiratory illness from which he never completely recovered.

Funeral services were conducted Sunday afternoon at two o'clock at Hrabak's funeral home in Chelsea in charge of the Rev. Lowell Holmgren, pastor of the Haven Community church. Soloist was Mrs. Lowell Holmgren. Burial was in the Brooklyn I.O.O.F. cemetery where military services were accorded by the Francis Gallagher post of the American Legion. Serving as pallbearers were Roy Kriegel, James Ryan, Frank Johnston, Richard Ross, Randolph Roudabush and Albert Benda.

The son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hilligas, Harry Franklin Hilligas was born April 24, 1897, in Poweshiek county and died June 1, 1956. He attended school in Fairview, Poweshiek county, and completed his schooling in Aliceville, Kan. in 1908. He farmed until enlisting in the navy May 3, 1918, in which he served aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Chester as a coxswain and signalman. He was discharged July 9, 1919. During his illness he had spent many months in hospitals. In 1925 he returned to Iowa and farmed with a brother when his health permitted.

Mr. Hilligas was a member of the Aliceville, Kansas Methodist church where he had served as Sunday school superintendent and secretary for many years. He was also a member of the Modern Woodmen Lodge of Burlington, Kan.

Survivors include two sisters, Mrs. Ed (Belle) Kellerman of Welda, Kan. and Mrs. Floyd (Vivian) Meyers of Newton and six brothers, Tom, Carl, Charles, John and Bill, all of Iowa, and Fred of California.

Preceding him in death were his father in 1949, his mother in 1955, and one sister, Hazel Loschen, in 1952.