Merville Hillery

Merville J. Hillery, age 94 of rural Darlington, WI passed away Saturday, August 4, 2018 at Renaissance Assisted Living in Weston, WI. He was born March 12, 1924 in Seymour Township in Lafayette County, Wisconsin the son of John V. II and Mary (Riter) Hillery. Merville attended Belmont High School in Belmont, WI. Merville was united in marriage to Ruth L. Paynter on June 18, 1946 at Darlington United Methodist Church in Darlington. He lived in Seymour Township his entire life where he dedicated his life to working on the family farm. Merville is survived by two sons: Charles (Perdy) Hillery of Madison, WI and Parker Hillery of Wausau, WI; his grandchildren: Colonel Kristin Hillery of Alexandria, VA, Keri Beth (Daniel) Shirley of Madison, Tanya Ballard of Wausau, Cory (Dana) Hillery of Champlin, MN, Sara Ruth Hillery of Wausau, Austin and Tyler Hillery both of Wausau; and his great-grandchildren: Brynlee and Ellisyn Shirley, and Piper Hillery, and Nova Ballard. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Ruth on March 3, 1987; one son: Terry Hillery; one daughter-in-law: Lisa Hillery; two brothers: Dr. Glenn (Maxine) Hillery and George (Marybelle) Hillery; and one sister: LaVonne (Ross) Copeland. Merville was a member of Pleasant View Primitive Methodist Church in rural Belmont and served as president of the Pleasant View Cemetery Board. He was also a past president of Wisconsin Pork Producers and was a life-long member of the Farm Bureau. Merville was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers, and had season tickets for the Platteville Pioneers basketball team. He loved to spend his free time learning about the bee trade with AJ Howery. Merville's true passion in life was the farm where he spent many years teaching his children and grandchildren the ins and outs of farming. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends. A funeral service will be held Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 12:00 P.M. at Pleasant View Primitive Methodist Church (12987 Pleasant View Road, Belmont) with Rev. Ronald Fladseth officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery. A visitation will be held Saturday, August 11, 2018 from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Merville's name.