Patrick "Pat" G. Hillary, 84, of Hazel Green, WI, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at home surrounded by his family. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 1st at the Haudenshield Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuba City, WI, with Fr. David Flanagan officiating. Burial will be in the Hazel Green Cemetery in Hazel Green, WI. Family & friends may call on Saturday, June 1st from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the Haudenshield Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuba City, WI. The Haudenshield Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuba City, WI is serving the family.

I was born to Del & Loretta (Huske) Hillary on August 19, 1939 in Hazel Green, WI. One of my first memories is meeting Jimmy "Jim" Patterson in first grade; we hit it off, leading to a lifelong friendship. We had the best of times. I spent much of my younger days with my brother, Dick and our mutual friend, Dick Houtakker. "The two Dicks and I" is the beginning of many stories. Together in 1951, we bought 2 coon dogs and through a little luck, Pete ended up in my care. Old Pete is the start of many tall tales that friends and family have enjoyed for years. During high school, I met the love of my life, Irene (Margaret Irene Pearce), we married in 1960 and together we've raised 3 college graduates (Jeff, Wendy and Greg). I'm so proud of them. During my school years, I was always at my brother Wayne's Texaco Station and following high school, Wayne's became Hillary's Texaco, as we partnered up. Later we formed a corporation, changing the name to Hillary Oil Company. "The Station" as my family called it, became the center of our life. The relationships we created were wonderful; I'd like to thank the customers, the vendors and most importantly, those that worked with us. For Wayne's 50+ years and my 40+ years, we treated people fairly, helped many, taught some and learned much, all while having many-many great times.

After retiring, I helped at Haudenshield Funeral Home, with some great memories there too. I've enjoyed hunting, fishing, all my life and yes, I did get lost deer hunting, but was found, due to my son, Jeff's persistence. I loved going to garage sales and weekend car rides with my son, Greg, along with collecting antiques & memorabilia. I also had a passion for old classic cars and was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. I also enjoyed playing card games, especially euchre with our special neighbors, Brad & Mary Jo. My son, Jeff likes to say, that when one door closes, another one opens. Hope he's right.

Pat will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Pat is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Irene; three children: Jeff (Sue), Wendy (Brian) Ostrem and Greg (Julie); 4 grandchildren: Nick (Moriah), Marc (Simonne), Quincy (Kelly) Harrigan and Kyle (friend, Emma McCully); 4 great-grandchildren: Carsynn, Brayden, Ashton and Hera Lou; one brother, Paul (Charlotte); along with many nieces and nephews, including special nephew, Brett (Cindy) Pearce.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Del & Loretta; 5 brothers: James at 1.5 years old, Bert (Hazel), Ed (Elvira), Wayne (Leona "Smokie") & Dick (Helga) and one grandson, Sean Patrick, stillborn.

In lieu of plants & flowers, a Patrick "Pat" G. Hillary Memorial Fund has been established.

Memorials may be mailed to:

Haudenshield Funeral Home
c/o: Pat Hillary Family
P.O. BOX 825
Cuba City, WI 53807