Harold Hills

Harold Junior Hills, age 89, of Columbus, Minnesota died unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, September 10, 2022.  Harold Junior was born to Harold & Luella (Grace) Hills.  He was born, raised and went to school in the Spooner/Shell Lake area.  Harold then joined the U.S Navy. In the four years that Harold was enlisted, he traveled and saw lots of countries, fixed many things, and cooked a few meals.  He always found time to keep in touch with Betty by writing her many letters.  Once Harold was done with his adventures, he then married the love of his life, Betty Lou Mack, on February 7, 1959. Harold and Betty raised their family in Maplewood, Minnesota. They later moved to Columbus, Minnesota.

Harold dedicated 37 years to Chicago NorthWestern Railroad as an iron worker.  Harold built many bridges in Chicago, Superior, and even out West in South Dakota and Wyoming.  Harold would travel back and forth every weekend to be with Betty and their children.  Even after all those long weekends on the road, Harold loved to take trips.  Harold saw every state but Hawaii.  One of Harold’s favorite trips was when he and Betty took their motorcycle to Niagara Falls.  Harold had many loves and hobbies.  Harold was known for exotic animals and his deer (The Hills Deer Farm). Harold spent many hours at auctions buying animals, birds, vehicles, motorcycles and much more.  Many items Betty didn’t even know about.  One of Harold’s loves was heading to Trego to be at his and Betty’s seasonal campsite. Harold’s many stories, jokes, his stubbornness, and his love for beer will be greatly missed.

Harold will be deeply missed by his children, Vickie Renstrom, Russell (Mary) Hills; grandchildren, Jeremy (Beth) Renstrom, Daniel Renstrom, Jennifer Johnson, Katie Renstrom, Teri Kroll, Ryan Hills, Travis Hills; 9 great grandchildren; brother, Leroy; other family and friends. Harold preceded in death by Betty his loving wife of 62 years; daughter, Pamela Ann; his parents, Harold & Luella (Grace) Hills; two great grandchildren; and siblings, Barbara, Carol, Darleen, Darwin, Irene, Maxine, Phyllis.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, Minnesota. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, Minnesota. Interment at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Maplewood.