Robert Hillegas

Robert L. Hillegas age 79 of Nashua, Iowa died Saturday, May 14, 2016, at the Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home-Olson Chapel with interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Greene. Friends may greet the family 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, 2016, at the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home – Olson Chapel in Nashua. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Robert Lee Hillegas was born August 17, 1936, in Butler County, IA, the son of Herbert and Ellen “Ella” (Allen) Hillegas. He received his education in Greene and was a 1955 graduate of the Greene High School. In 1958, he joined his dad in their family farming business which was located south of Greene. He also worked for the former Oliver Corporation in Charles City. On March 19, 1960, in Preston, MN, he married Heleyne Buttjer. To this union four sons were born; Robert, Ronald, Russell and Rodney. The couple farmed near Marble Rock and he also worked for Casey Ingram Construction Company. The couple later divorced. Robert continued working in the construction business with L & J Welding, Heartwood Homes and Tank Brothers Masonry. On September 12, 1999, at The Little Brown Church in Nashua, he married Jeannette “Jan” McClure. In his younger days he loved boating, skiing with his boys and spending time going up north on fishing trips. Later, he enjoyed attending family gatherings and watching the grandkids at many of their activities. Survivors include his wife of 17 years, Jeannette; four sons, Robert (Terra) Hillegas of Ionia, Ronald (Sheri) Hillegas of Charles City, Russell (Jennifer) Hillegas of Nashua and Rodney (Amy) Hillegas of Charles City; one step-daughter, Kimberly (Jeff) Claypool of Ottumwa, IA; one step-son, Christopher (Christine) McClure of Minneapolis, MN; fourteen grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Chris Bolhuis of Dike. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Lucy Bolhuis.