Wayne T. Hilla

My name is Wayne Thomas Hilla. I was 76 when I passed away on May 23, 2025 peacefully with family by my side. I was born on Janueary 18, 1949, to Phillip and Ann (Lubeke). I graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1967. I played football for the Thunderbolts. I was a member of the undefeated “Fearsome Five”.

I was drafted in the United States Army where I was stationed in Germany. While proudly serving, I had the opportunity to travel across multiple countries, taking in all of the historic places, Castles, and Cathedrals.

I returned home where I met, fell in love with, and married Sara Jane Zielaskowski in March of 1973. Together we had three children, Travis, Nick, and Bobbi Jean Hilla. In 1978 we bought the Long Lake Supermarket and ran it for 30 years. We raised our children there and made many friends along the way on Long Lake. I enjoyed teaching the kids to fish and hunt. You would often find me at our hunting camp every fall where friends and family stopped to reminisce, tell stories about all of the ones that did and didn’t get away.

I am survived by my children, Travis and his wife Shannon Hilla (Jarvie), Nick, and Bobbi Jean Hilla, his brothers, Kenneth and his wife Trudy, and Bob and his wife Julie, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Sara Hilla, his parents, and a sister, Sue Schmidt.

Arrangements have been handled by A.E. Ross Funeral Home. A memorial service is being planned for a later date. Online condolences may be registered at www.aerossfuneralhome.com