Dale Allen Hillmer

Longtime Alaskan Dale Allen Hillmer passed away on June 15, 2014.

He was 80 years old.

Dale was born in South Dakota on July 6, 1933, to James and Ethel Hillmer. Dale was in the National Guard and joined the Air Force in 1949. He was stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in 1959, fell in love with the state and decided to stay permanently after he was honorably discharged in 1962.

Dale went on to join the Local 302 Union as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic/Operator, which led him to work in various locations throughout Alaska, including Anchorage, Valdez, Fairbanks and the Aleutian Islands. He eventually retired from the 302.

Dale enjoyed motorcycle riding, he was a founding member of the original “Last Frontier Motorcycle Club” in the ’60s. He raced Harley-Davidson motorcycles when he was younger but his true love was one of several Full Dress Harley-Davidson ’74s he owned throughout his riding years. Dale had many hobbies including leather working, sewing and coin collecting. He loved dancing and country/western music. He was an avid hunter and fishermen and a Patron member of the NRA. He loved to tinker in his shop, welded several iron trailers and restored an old Model A car he purchased in Oregon. He loved the outdoors and loved to spend time at his cabin in Petersville.

Dale was preceded in death by his oldest son, Dale Alan Hillmer in 1996.

He is survived by his wife, Joan V. Anderson; his children, Theresa E. Fletcher, her husband Kirk P. Fletcher of Arizona, Doris Hillmer, Michael D. Hillmer, Clint E. Hillmer, Melissa Hillmer and stepdaughter Kim N. Casey of Anchorage; grandchildren, Christopher Hillmer, Amber Morrison, Shannon (Morrison) Delaney, Shelby (Fletcher) Geery and Garrett Fletcher; and eight great-grandchildren; sisters, Karen Hillmer and Marylou Stuart of South Dakota, and brothers, Doug and Rex Hillmer of South Dakota and Clyde Hillmer of Mississippi.

Dale was a true friend. The strongest, big hearted, reliable and honest man anyone ever met.

He was a second father to many, a loving husband and the best daddy we could ever wish for.

A celebration of life is at 2 p.m., June 21 at 4650 Redoubt Dr., Wasilla. All are welcome to attend.