Richard Milton Hilden

Richard M. Hilden, of Hudson, passed away on March 21, 2025, after a 3 1/2 year courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones.

At age 70, he lived a life brimming with love and laughter, and with a strong faith, he knew where he stood in the eyes of the Lord. He was ready when his time came.

Richard was born on July 9, 1954, in Redwing, Minnesota to Sheldon and Mary (Guest) Hilden. He grew up exploring the banks of the Kinnikinnic River and fields and forests surrounding River Falls, where he found an early love for nature and mischief. He graduated from River Falls High School in 1972.

He attended University of Wisconsin-River Falls for two years, studying art and history, two passions he held throughout his life. It was there that he first saw the love his life, Mary Kay Kleinschmidt, of Marshall, Wisconsin, in an astronomy class during their freshman year. They finally met three years later at a wapatoolie. He proposed to her in his casual honest, humorous fashion on the shores of Blaisdell Lake near FADL, the family cabin and home away from home.

Richard and Mary Kay married on April 12, 1980. They moved to Hudson in 1981. They renewed their marriage vows with family at FADL last fall. Together they raised their daughters, Abbey and Allison. Richard was their perfect dad – usually patient and always kind, with an unwavering helpful hand and encouraging wink. He was a best friend and mentor to his sons-in-law, Nathan and Matthew. He was a best buddy pal and “Baba” to his granddaughters: Rachel, Mila, Ava, and Brooklynn. He loved them “more than there are stars in the sky.”

A competitive athlete, Richard was on the 1971 conference championship football team for River Falls, a team he was forever proud of. He and Mary Kay joined co-rec bowling, volleyball, and softball leagues in Hudson, their favorite memories being on the Village Inn softball team. He coached his girls’ summer softball team for two years.

He worked for 32 years at Erickson’s, then More 4 grocery stores. He met some lifelong friends there, working at various locations, beginning at River Falls at age 16 as a bag boy, served as assistant manager at Hudson and New Richmond, and then manager at Somerset. He also worked at Aves Studio, where he learned how to excel at another lifelong passion – taxidermy.

Richard was a storyteller and teacher at heart, always eager to share a yarn, a historical reference, or a bit of sage wisdom. He could offer a quiet, calming presence or be counted on to make even the most mundane moments more interesting. He had a gift for making people laugh.

He loved to draw and paint, mainly wildlife and portraits and scenes of the American Indian Wars of the mid- to late-1880s. The Black Hills of South Dakota and Devils Tower in Wyoming held a special place in his heart. He loved fishing for the elusive musky, watching the deer run in the fall, and watching the sun and moon rise over the water.

Most of all, Richard cherished every moment with his family. There was never a doubt of his love, and he was loved all the more for it. He led a good and grateful life.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Mary Kay; daughters Abbey (Nathan) Goers and Allison (Matthew) Boumeester; and his granddaughters; as well as cherished family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sheldon and Mary Hilden.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. with a service beginning at 3:00 p.m. at O’Connell Funeral Home in Hudson. A private interment will be held at Willow River Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks those who wish, to plant an apple tree, go fishing, take a walk in the woods or donate to Caring Bridge. Dad said, “Never forget to give your kids a hug and tell them how much you love them.”

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