As received from the Jacobson Funeral Home. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
Richard N. “Dick” Hiltunen died of natural causes on June 23, 2025 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Green Bay, WI. We all loved him dearly and are deeply shaken with his passing.
Dick was born in Ontonagon, MI on August 22, 1939, the eldest son of Norman and Sally (Makela) Hiltunen. He grew up in Nisula & Alston, MI and graduated from Baraga High School in 1957. He married Charlene M. (LeClaire) Hiltunen in 1960 and they resided in Baraga, MI. They raised five sons: Dennis (Lily) of Gainesville, FL; Rick (Tina) of Oconomowoc, WI; Brian (Ann) of Appleton, WI; and Larry of Sterling Heights, MI. Charlene passed away suddenly & tragically in July 2001 and their son Steve passed away suddenly in September 2017. Steve’s beloved wife Michele also preceded him in death in June 2010.
From 1960, Dick was in the logging business with his father Norman until they sold the business in 1976. From 1976, Dick was an operator, foreman, and eventually superintendent of the Baraga County Road Commission until he retired in 2000.
Throughout his adulthood, he was active in the local community including the Michigan National Guard, the Baraga Fire Department, the Ottawa Sportsman Club, the Baraga American Legion Post 444, and St. Ann’s Catholic Church.
Dick is survived by his four sons, his three brothers, Tom (Jane) of Sacramento, CA, Donald of Maricopa, AZ, and Dave (Grace) of Florence, WI. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren Krystle, Amber (Dylan), Zack, Jacob, Ben (Alison), Hanna, and Jason, his great-grandchildren Addison & Zoey, and his special partner in life Dorothy Niemala. Dick & Dorothy enjoyed many wonderful years together and those memories will be cherished forever. He also is survived by numerous nephews, nieces, other extended family members, and many friends.
Dick loved the outdoors and spent many days fishing & hunting throughout the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He particularly enjoyed lake trout fishing on Lake Superior, hunting on the family property in Alston, and driving his truck or ATV on area woods roads partridge hunting or just visiting family & friends. Dick was one of the most reliable & capable people who could fix pretty much anything. Whenever his boys needed something repaired, fixed, etc., he was the first phone call they made and he would take care of it immediately. He regularly repaired cars, lawn mowers, chainsaws, etc. He was a great champion of his sons & grandchildren and regularly attended their games, especially when his sons played high school football & basketball. He and Charlene rarely missed a game, both home & away. He was a regular fan & attendee of the Aura Jamboree and enjoyed any opportunity to sing & enjoy music with his three brothers.
Dick just loved life. He greatly enjoyed being with his family & friends and he touched the lives of many in his orbit. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 10th from 10-11:00 a.m. at Jacobson Funeral Home. The Baraga Fire Department will conduct a service at 11:00 a.m. followed with a memorial service at the funeral home with Fr. Ben Rivard officiating. Baraga County Area Veterans will conduct military rites under the direction of American Legion Post 444 at 12:00 p.m. in the Baraga Cemetery along with committal prayers. A celebration of life luncheon will follow at the Baraga American Legion. Donations may be made in memory of Dick to St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Baraga.
Friends may sign Dick’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.
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