Hiller Arthur Holien

Hiller Holien, age 88, of Minneota, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, October 3, 2021. Hiller was born in Ossian, Iowa, to Hiller and Elsie Holien on October 23, 1932. He grew up in southeastern Minnesota and shared many memories of working for his parents at the White Front Café and on the family farm with his sisters and brother. He served his country in the Korean War and was honorably discharged as an Army Corporal. Upon returning from Korea, he married his great love, best friend and fishing partner, Elizabeth “Liz” Burns, on March 20, 1955. They were inseparable for 47 years. Adventures were many with moving often for his work as a foreman of a drilling crew for Layne Minnesota Company. Minneota became home in 1964 where he owned Minneota Drilling for 35 years and he became well-known as “Hiller the Driller.” He was active on the Minneota Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years and held the position of assistant chief for a number of those years. Hiller lived by “work hard, play hard.” He had a big heart and was the anchor of his family. He loved the outdoors and fishing was his passion. Memories cherished by family include long days on the lake either boating or fishing. He was loved and will be missed by many. Hiller is survived by his four children: Kristi Fredricks, Scott Holien, Julie (John) Kuchinka, and Marni (Brian) Van Keulen; seven grandchildren: Jana, Jacob, Sarah, Jenna, Amanda, Anthony, and Alex; seven great-grandchildren: Ashlee, Jaesauh, Adriana, Edith, Jonathan, Oona, and Jameson; siblings: Irene Landenburg, Ione Thorson, Bob (Barb) Holien, Marlyn (John) Hanson; and brother-in-law Dave Hanson Sr. He was preceded in death by his wife Liz, parents Hiller and Elsie, son-in law Jim Fredricks, sisters Vivian Ramlo and Joann Hanson, and half-brothers Donald and Lloyd Wiedow. A private family memorial service will be held due to the ongoing pandemic. In lieu of flowers, spend precious time with your family.