Charles “Chuck” Gale Hillier
BEAVER GROVE, MI – Charles “Chuck” Gale Hillier, age 69, entered eternal life Thursday, April 27th, 2023, at UP Health System – Marquette, in the loving, comforting care of his family. As Chuck was preparing to leave this earth and battling cancer, he had only one request, no more pain. His wish was granted as he was born into his eternity on the same day as he was born to his earthly existence.
Born April 27th, 1954, in Marquette, a son of Raymond Daniel and Evelyn Theresa (Bolduc) Hillier, Chuck was raised in South Marquette, along with his 13 siblings. Chuck developed a love of the outdoors and a talent for tinkering and music appreciation at an early age, and those loves remained with him for the rest of his life. While in high school, Chuck was a member of the Majestics Drum and Bugle Corps. He graduated from Marquette Senior High School in 1972 and began his long career at Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company as a mechanic. At a wedding in 1976, Chuck met Janice Blondeau and in the fall of 1977, the couple was united in marriage. They made their first home in Harvey and began raising a family, eventually moving to Beaver Grove in 1991. Chuck retired from CCI in 2011 and kept himself busy by doing maintenance work at St. Louis the King Catholic Church. Chuck was a family man who greatly loved his children and grandchildren. Throughout the years, Chuck and Janice enjoyed the great outdoors, fishing, and taking camping trips with the children. Their backyard fire pit was always a source of pleasure and an enjoyable place for family and friends to gather. Chuck also enjoyed gardening, playing his guitar and saxophone, and playing a good game of golf when he had time. He was often asked to sing or play an instrument at family events or gatherings with friends, and he always added his wonderful sense of humor to the occasion. Chuck also tried his hand at woodworking and was very proud of the 17 foot cedar kayak he crafted. As a member of St. Louis the King Church in Harvey, and their maintenance man, Chuck also lent his beautiful baritone voice to the church choir. He often served as cantor at masses, and was usually requested to sing Ave Maria at funerals as he was more than able to master the complexities of the hymn. Chuck also belonged to the Negaunee Male Chorus, the Strictly Gospel Section of the Negaunee Male Chorus, and served as president of the St. Louis Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Janice; sons, Ben (Barbara Tullila) Tullila-Hillier and Andrew (Mary Klacza) Hillier; daughter, Cassandra (Joe) Haapapuro; his grandchildren, Bowie Ray and Charlotte Joan; his siblings, Raymond David Hillier, Daniel Paul (Joan) Hillier, Kathleen (Jon Allen) Schultz, Dennis John (Dianne) Hillier, Howard Lee (Linda Lee) Hillier, Shirley Jean (Lloyd) Lehtomaki, Lynn Frances Larson, Terry Allen (Debbie) Hillier, Beverly Ruth (Anthony) Certo, Joseph “Joe” (Cynthia) Hillier, and Timothy Robert (Patricia) Hillier; sister-in-law, Joy Ann Hillier; his mother-in-law, Joan Blondeau; numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Chuck was preceded in death by a son, Jeremy Luke Hillier; brothers, Thomas and Walter; and sister-in-law, Joan Nordquist Hillier.
The family will receive relatives and friends at St. Louis the King Catholic Church on Saturday, May 27th, beginning at 10:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 noon. A reception will follow in Father Gauthier Hall.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.