Mass of Christian Burial was 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids for Hilary J. Stellmach, age 74, who passed away Nov. 7, 2019, at the St. Cloud Hospital. The Rev. Ralph Zimmerman officiated and burial was at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls at a later date. Visitation was from 4-7 p.m. Sunday at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids and one hour prior to the services Monday at the church. Parish prayers were at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Hilary was born Oct. 5, 1945, in Sauk Rapids to Joseph and Leona (Eickholt) Stellmach. He served our country in the U.S. Army as a medic during the Vietnam War and received the Purple Heart. Hilary married Janet Jaeger Oct. 3, 1970, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud. He worked as an orderly at the St. Cloud Hospital, Murphy Ambulance Service and most of his life as a police officer for the St. Cloud Police Department for 27 years, retiring in 1997. After retirement he worked for the St. Cloud Road Department. Hilary was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a Eucharistic Minister at the St. Cloud Hospital Chapel. He was a member of St. Cloud VFW Post No. 428 where he was a member of the rifle squad. Hilary enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling, campfires, and his coffee group at McDonald’s. He was family orientated and was very proud of his family. He was present at many of his grandchildren’s events. Hilary was a proud veteran who was dependable, supportive, respectful, stood up for what he believed in, and had a strong faith and work ethic.
Survivors include his wife, Jan of Sauk Rapids; daughter and son, Shelly (Dave) Leom of Milaca and Mike (Martha) Stellmach of Foley; sister and brothers, Marcia Stellmach of Sartell, Sy (Cel) Stellmach of Sauk Rapids and Joseph (Sharon) Stellmach, Jr. of Sartell; and grandchildren, William, Wesley, Jillian, Owen, Hilary, and Thomas. Hilary was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joanne Knaus; brother-in-law, Roger Knaus; and family friend, Bonnie Waibel.
Memorials are preferred to St. Clare’s Monastery, Sauk Rapids.
Obituary, video tribute, and guestbook available online at http://www.williamsdingmann.com
Our Country is in Mourning, A Soldier Died Today.R-46-1B
