Russell Hillebrand

Russell Hillebrand, 87, Grand Forks, died Thursday October 17, 2013 at home. Russell was born July 29, 1926 in the Adler Township of Nelson County, North Dakota to Edwin and Edna (Peters) Hillebrand. He and his twin sister Rosie grew up in the Niagara area attending school and graduating from Niagara High School in 1944. In 1945, Russell joined the United States Army attending basic training at Camp Livingston in Louisiana. He then reported to Seattle Washington for duty, shipping off to Japan in October of 1945. While overseas, Russell served as a M.P. in the Nagasaki and Hiroshima areas until he was honorably discharged on November 15, 1947. He then returned to Niagara, where he worked for the Johnson store, and moved to Hope, North Dakota. While living there he met his wife Donna Holman. They were married on February 10, 1949 in the Lutheran Church in Portland, North Dakota. They moved to Grand Forks and on January 1, 1951 Russell began working for the Grand Forks Police Department. He started as a beat cop working until he moved into investigations. On July 1, 1959, he attained the rank of Sargent working in the uniformed patrol. In June 2, 1972 he became a Lieutenant. Russ was in charge of the Juvenile Delinquent Division for 25 years until his retirement on October 31, 1991. After retiring from the Grand Forks Police Department, Russell worked as a bailiff until December 31, 1998 for The Grand Forks City Court System. He also worked full time as a foreman and truck driver at Grand Forks Grocery, retiring there in 1975 after 25 years. One of Russell's duties as a police officer was dignitary protection. While on this assignment, he met President Richard Nixon and his wife, President Ronald Regan, and was part of the team for John F. Kennedy. Russell was lifelong St. Louis Cardinal's fan. He loved to bowl, and bowled league until he was 77. At one time, he even bowled with three generations of Hillebrands on a team. Russ loved having fun with this family and friends. He enjoyed playing pinochle, poker, and throwing horseshoes. He would spend hours watching and listening to any sporting event. Russell also loved gardening and sharing the spoils of his work with family and neighbors. Russell moved in with his son and daughter-in-law Dana and Debbi in 2006. He was very proud of his family and loved to spend time with them, taking them out for dinner as often as he could. Russell touched the lives of many people and will be missed by those who knew and loved him. Russell is survived by his sons: David (Peggy), Dana (Debbi), Daniel (Tami); grandchildren: Nikki (Pat) Hill, Dixon, Tennessee, Heidi Hillebrand, Casey (Amy) Hillebrand, Dusty (Laura) Hillebrand, Devin (Lauren) Hillebrand, Nathan (Kristen) Hillebrand, Brock (Cassandra) Hillebrand, all of Grand Forks; great-grandchildren: Shylo and Rebbeca Hill, Dixon, Tennessee, Izaiah, Oscar, Zachary, Hallie, Nora, Miles, and Tyler Hillebrand all of Grand Forks, twin sister Rosie Anderson, Michigan, ND, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Donna, son Michael, parents, brother Floyd Donald Hillebrand, sister Gladys Gorber, and many 4 legged companions. Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in Amundson Funeral Home Visitation will be held Monday, October 21, 2013 from 5 - 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to a charity of your choice in Russell's name.