Donald “Don” H Hillard

It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Donald (Don) Hillard of Mayville, Wisconsin. Don passed away on May 19, 2026, at the age of 83, following a stroke and brief hospitalization during a visit to Phoenix, Arizona, with his daughters by his side.

A Celebration of Don’s life will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville. Following the memorial gathering, Military Honors will be conducted by the Mayville American Legion Post # 69.

Born May 13, 1943, in Denver, Colorado, Don attended Western State University in Gunnison on a skiing scholarship, where he served on the ski patrol. He later served in the United States Army as an aircraft mechanic in Heidelberg, Germany. Don’s career included work as a draftsman and engineer with Boeing Corporation in Seattle, Washington and then Elgar Corporation in San Diego, California, where he contributed to early uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems among other significant tools and technology. He spent nearly 30 years as a design engineer with Gleason Reel in Mayville, Wisconsin.

Don was an avid reader, known for his sharp wit, quick sense of humor, and remarkable knowledge of history and trivia. He also had a natural artistic talent, expressed through his drafting work and other creative pursuits. He was active in the American Legion Honor Guard, the Dodge County Police & Fire Commission, and the Marais Players, where he formed many lasting friendships. He cherished time spent in Mission and Ocean Beach, California, then raising a family in Mayville, WI, and later enjoyed traveling, motorcycling, and laughing with his beloved partner of 25 years, Jane Cole.

He is survived by his partner, Jane Cole; his former wife, Lynette (née Miller) Hillard; his daughters, Kelly Marie (Michael) Lopez-Hillard and Kerry Dee (Sean) Leary-Hillard; his brother, Jim (Debbie) Bottoms; Jane’s children, Brian Hefter, Sara (Theron) Bashaw, and Michael (Toni) Hefter; and his grandchildren, Michael and Ty Bashaw and Aberdeen, Elle, and Norah Leary. He is also survived by his in-laws, Jennifer (Bruce) Miller-McPhee, David (Sheryl) Brethorst, Ron (Karen) Cole, and Barb Cole; and his nieces and nephews, Tanner (Solare) Brethorst, Jena (Jarrod) Kennedy, and Andrew Bottoms; and many close friends. He will be missed enormously.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Don will remain in our hearts forever.