Johan (John) Alver Hilberg

https://www.legacy.com/ca/obituaries/chroniclejournal/name/johan-hi...
Johan Hilberg Obituary
It is with profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved father on November 8th, 2009 after declining health this past year. He was born December the 9th, 1909 in New Finland, Saskatchewan, and was the oldest and last survivor of 12 siblings. At the age of 19 he left Saskatchewan, seeking employment in Fort William. He began work at the Great Lakes Paper Company in 1929, and retired as a Millwright after 46 years of service. He was the oldest surviving member of Local 39. He married his childhood sweetheart, Bertha Luhtala in 1929, and later that year had a son Harvey. They also had a daughter Marilyn, born in 1948. Bertha passed away in 1965 after 36 years of marriage. In 1968, he married Vera Gottfred who passed away one month before their 25th Anniversary. He was very active in his younger years, being an active 10 pin bowler and playing a little golf. For many years, the family had fun-filled times at their summer camp at Surprise Lake. He was a hunter who liked mostly bird hunting, but did go moose hunting as well. Soon his interests focused on fishing, which was his passion for nearly 40 years. He explored and fished many area lakes, both summer and winter. There always seems to be the tale of the "one that got away. " Summer fishing trips were not one or two days, but usually a week at a time. Eventually, he and Vera bought a trailer and fished only Kashabowie Lake. Dad had his trailer till his early 90's. In his 90's his health deteriorated and he moved to Hogarth Riverview Long Term Care in May 2006. He was predeceased by his parents, 11 siblings, wifes Bertha and Vera and daughter-in-law Anna Hilberg. He is survived by son Harvey and his children Daryle, Lynn (Murray) Danny (Donna), Lorraine (Larry), and by his daughter Marilyn (Allan Coley) and their children Elisa (Mike), Robin (Chris) and Jamie. He is also survived by 10 great grandchildren. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no funeral service. Cremation has taken place and a private service and interment will be held at a later date. We want to acknowledge our sincere appreciation to Howard and Debbie, two dedicated volunteers visiting our father these past 6 months. Also, we want to thank the staff of Cedar Wing at Hogarth Riverview for the care of our dear dad. Lastly, thank you to family and friends who have rallied around us. We are very grateful for your support. An Open House will be held at Marilyn and Allan Coley's home on Saturday, November 14th, 2 till 4 pm at 76 Calvert Road, Murillo."

Published by The Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal on Nov. 10, 2009.