Wayne Edwin Hillukka

Wayne Edwin Hillukka, age 79 of Thorpe Township, Nevis, MN was called to his eternal home on Friday, June 17th, 2022 at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, MN with his wife and daughter by his side. He was born on February 2nd, 1943 in Detroit Lakes, MN to Edwin and Sylvia (Samuelson) Hillukka, the first born of 8 children. He grew up on his family farm and attended Country School in the Wolf Lake area. Before joining the US Army in 1964 he worked at Munsingwear in Minneapolis. He was sent to France for 2 years and in 1966 he was transferred to Karlsruhe, Germany where he met and married Ursula Lorenz on March 1st, 1967. He returned to the States on March 2nd, his wife joined him on May 18th, 1967 and lived north of the Twin cities area. Wayne and Ursula were married 55 years and blessed with 3 children. Wayne worked in various trades, around the Twin City area, as a Construction Truck Driver, Auto Mechanic and for many years Wayne was self employed in the Automobile business, Auto Sales and Mechanic. Wayne was diagnosed with Heart Failure in 2001 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester and given 1 to 2 years to live. He told the doctors only God knew how long he had to live and decided to move north to start building his retirement home, with the help of various friends. He would work until he had chest pain, then sat down and rested until he felt better. With advancing technology, he was able to have Open Heart Surgery in 2008 after which he decided to drive truck during Sugar Beet harvest in Warren Minnesota, for several seasons. Wayne enjoyed Coffee Clutching with his good friends. Most of all, he enjoyed teaching his Grandson’s various things, go 4-wheeling and deer hunting. He also enjoyed Woodworking, making gifts for the children and wife. In December he injured himself making Christmas gifts for the family which started a series of infections, Back, Hip, Kidney, Leg, Foot and heart issues for the next 5.5 month. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Wilfred and wife Sharon, Warren and John. He is survived by his wife Ursula, children Sabine (Greg) Lefebvre of Foley, MN, Roger Hillukka (Angie Colburn) of Park Rapids and Michael (Kristy) Hillukka of Blaine, 6 Grandson’s and 2 Great Granddaughters, siblings Ronald (Paulette) Hillukka, Beverly (Walter) Pool, Donna Ford and Diane Hillukka, many nieces and Nephews. He will also be greatly missed by Brittney Stuart and her son Dominic. Funeral Services will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, June 25, 2022 at First English Lutheran Church of Dorset, MN with visitation two hours prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Balmi Cemetery in Wolf Lake. Casketbearers will be his grandson’s: Ross Hillukka, Nicholas Lefebvre, Grant Hillukka, Noah Lefebvre, Max Lefebvre, Luke Hillukka. Honorary Pallbearers Great Granddaughters: Abby Mitchell and Lily Lefebvre.