"Carol, Wanda and Amy, Dave cut my hair from 1972 until he retired. We had many cups of coffee over the years through the remodeling and additions I did for you. Lots of good memories. Sincere Sympathies to all of you. Ken Schauland "
Dave Hilken, age 74, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, July 5, at his home in Winona after a brief, but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Dave was born on January 14, 1947 in Fairmont, MN, the son of William and Florence (Doxsee) Hilken; he was raised in Trimont, MN. He married Carol Peterson on October 25, 1966 in Houston, MN, and their union was soon blessed with two daughters, Wanda and Amy.
Dave was interested in becoming a barber; but first enlisted as a member of the US Air Force in 1966. As part of his service, Dave was deployed to Vietnam and honorably discharged in 1970. When he returned home, Dave completed barber school and started his career at The Golden Chair in Winona, eventually becoming a partner in the business. His story telling and witty sense of humor kept generations of customers coming back until Dave's retirement in 2011. Over the years Dave compiled an impressive list of hobbies which included, but were certainly not limited to, unique woodworking and creative projects, reading, showing dogs, and collecting artist prints. Fast cars, good books, fine cigars, and long cycle rides ranked high on Dave's list of favorite things. He was always up for an adventure, but was truly happiest at home in his garage drinking a hot cup of coffee with best friend and soulmate, his wife Carol.
Above all, Dave was immensely proud to be a husband, dad and grandpa; he enjoyed being involved in family activities and loved to watch his granddaughters play sports, often the loudest fan in the stands.
Dave will be laid to rest with military honors at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 16, at the Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery in Preston, MN.
Dave will always be remembered and forever missed by his loving wife of 54 years, Carol; daughters, Wanda (Erik) Leslie and Amy (Jerry) Schurhamer; granddaughters, Jordan and Madelyn Leslie as well as Mackenzie and Delaney Schurhamer; siblings, Dean (Kathryn) Hilken, Herbert (Jane) Hilken; as well as other extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Florence Hilken; older brother, Lynn (Valerie) Hilken; and an infant brother, Kenneth.
The family would like to thank the staff of Winona Health Hospice for providing exceptional care and support. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are preferred to St. Jude's Children Hospital or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Please visit www.hofffuneral.com to leave a message of remembrance on Dave's Tribute Wall.
"Carol, Wanda and Amy, Dave cut my hair from 1972 until he retired. We had many cups of coffee over the years through the remodeling and additions I did for you. Lots of good memories. Sincere Sympathies to all of you. Ken Schauland "
"\"Petey\"=I was so shocked to hear of Dave\'s passing, especially a day after Loren so my heart goes out to you & Mary. So many memories of years ago visiting you in Winona and seeing the dogs!! Know that we are thinking of you and praying for you."
"Carol and family, So sorry to hear of your loss. Even though it has been years since I have seen you and your family (in Ohio now) I have such fond memories of Dave. He always made me laugh and smile each time he was around the crazy Sprint employees! Please know I am keeping you and your family in my prayers. Theresa (Drussell) Seccia"
"To Dave\'s family. You don\'t know me but I also had Dave cutting my hair for many years. It\'s like we knew all of you but you had no idea who we were. I just saw this obit and dropped my jaw. He was truly a kind man and exceptional barber. He has worked so hard all his life putting up with the public (bless him) He deserved to live much longer. So very sad. RIP my friend. Deanna Dorsch"
"Carol and family, So sorry for your loss of a great guy. Hugs to you Carol and your girls and granddaughters. Rest in peace Dave. Mary Ann Gierok"
"To the Hilken Family, I was sorry to hear of Dave\'s passing. I always enjoyed his wit and humor. We solved many of the world\'s problems while I was in that barber\'s chair. He had numerous good old laughs also. He always spoke with such pride when talking about his family, it was obvious how much we loved them and he knew he was loved. I am not sure but I think I started going to the Golden Chair in 1983 or 1984 until they closed but I am sure there is only one barber I remember and that was Dave Hilken. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Jim Bedtke"
"To the Hilken Family, Dave was a master. As my husband?s barber for years, he inherited the job of cutting our sons? hair. Our boys never fussed about going to see Dave, as he?d entertain them with a yarn while he clipped away. Since Andy and the boys always had their hair cut at the same appointment, it meant the boys had to wait, but I never worried about what they would overhear. We recognize Dave, who, through years of exposure, as contributing to our sons? abilities to interact positively with adults. Please accept our sympathy, Andy & Kristin Bergaus and sons Peter and Paul "
"My condolences to you Carol "
"Carol, I am so sorry to hear of Dave\'s passing. My sympathy and love to you! "
"Sincere sympathy to Dave?s sweet family. My relationship with Dave is primarily through his wife, Carol, my dear friend. Their marriage/friendship was one of a kind. They lived life to the fullest and tackled obstacles together. Love to you Carol and Wanda, Amy and their families. "
"Dave has been a friend of my heart since childhood. Our houses in Trimont were literally across the street from one another. We grew up and played together, were teammates in basketball, track, and football, and had many youthful excursions to local dances and concerts at Fox Lake and Arnold?s Park Ballrooms. No one in our crew of young adults was better at telling a story than Dave. Dave was always cheerful and uplifting and frankly brilliant with his creative solutions to many of our self- imposed youthful dilemmas. After high school our military service and careers took us in different directions. Fortunately we were all able to reconnect after retirement. Many from our old Trimont gang were fortunate to be together again at class and town reunions and have an annual gathering in the Twin Cities. The stories Dave told at these gatherings were even more polished and embellished than in our youth. Dave was so likeable that all spouses were amazed at his storytelling. I?m certain our wife?s thought that these were somewhat ?fabricated? events and that we certainly should have disclosed more about them before marriage. Dave was an amazing guy and I?m certain he?s still captivating crowds in Heaven. Our sincerest condolences and God?s peace to your entire family. "
"Carol and family, I am so sorry to learn about your loss. Bob always enjoyed having Dave as his barber and missed going to him when he retired. I enjoyed hearing about some of the travels and adventures you had these past couple years. Fondly thinking about you. Mary Alice Anderson"
"Dave was my barber for many years. Dave always talked about his family and how proud he was of all them. I can remember when he purchased his cabin and how excited he was! He was excited to retire and enjoy the lake! May his family keep his memories forever. RIP Dave"
"Carol, Amy and Wanda, Dave was a great friend and barber. I enjoyed his wit, humor and friendship. I?d always look forward to my next haircut because Dave would have a new story to tell. He was very proud of his family. My condolences "
"What a wonderful man! The best barber we ever had! Not only for a good haircut but the best advice and friendship. My family and I were truly blessed to have Dave in our lives! On a recent trip to Winona I called ?Dave? out at a local meat market. Turned out it was a Dave, but the nice gentleman said he knew nothing about cutting hair. I was so disappointed! Heaven got a great one! Rest In Peace Dave. Scott and Wendy Erwin. Goodyear, AZ"
"Dear Hilken family. My heart pours out to you, all. Dave I will always remember, from the Golden Chair. He was always so welcoming and loving! And then being blessed with being friends with his beautiful daughter, Wanda! She truly got his tender values! True friend, through and through. Carol, you two did an amazing job with your girls and I am blessed to have gotten to know you. Please know you are loved and I hold you all in prayers that as you walk through this next journey, God will still hold you up. Many blessings, dear friends."
"Carol and family I\'m so sorry to read about your beloved husband,,,,dad passing away...Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers, hugs to you all."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Carol, Wanda, Amy and their families!!! Dave was a great guy and funny as can be!!! Sure thinking of you all !!! Dan Kildahl"
"Dave was a wonderful person, a gentleman with a genuine laugh. He was a very special neighbor to my parents. His wave from across the street will always be remembered. Our condolences to Carol and his entire family. May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead. ?? Mari and Tim Maroushek"
"Extending my deepest condolences to you and your family, Carol. Praying for all of you at this difficult time. "