February 11, 2017

Dean Elof Hillman, 80, died peacefully Saturday, February 11, 2017 at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, NY. He leaves his wife, Tu Tu Aung-Hillman; his sons, Monty and Chris Hillman; his daughter Michelle Reavis; his brothers, Larry and Dewayne Hillman; his sisters, Kay Case and Sherrill Erickson; five grandchildren; and many close friends.

Dean was born and raised in Shell Lake, WI and was the son of Elof and Pearl Hillman. After leaving the family farm, Dean attended undergraduate school at Gustavus Adolphus College and graduate school at University of North Dakota earning a Ph.D. Dean married Tamara Toll of Shell Lake, WI in 1959 and raised his family in Grand Forks, ND, Milwaukee, WI, Detroit, MI, Wilmette, IL, Coralville, IA and Chappaqua, NY.

Dean was a highly respected and distinguished professor of neuroscience at NYU School of Medicine and achieved Teacher of the Year Awards multiple times. He was also selected as part of the 1969 publication, Outstanding Young Men of America. Not only was he a devoted research scientist, he also generously gave his time and energy to others. He was a beloved professor and dearly loved by his coworkers. His most recent creation can be found at http://www.mindoverbrain.com

Dean married Tu Tu Aung in 2000. They made their home in Long Island New York. Neighbors of all ages loved Dean and often stopped by to connect.

In his free time, he enjoyed landscaping projects using his John Deer tractor, moving dirt, trees and creating beauty around his homes. His earliest childhood memory was playing with his toy tractors under an oak tree on the lawn at the family farm. In his last moments, he was enjoying working with the tractor at home, moving piles of snow.

Services will be held at Salem Lutheran Church. Friends and family may visit with Dean’s loved ones at the church beginning at 10 AM on Friday, February 17, 2017. The service will begin at 11:00 AM with lunch immediately following. Burial will be at lovely countryside Clam River Cemetery. Pallbearers are Matt Brown, David Toll, Eric Hillman, Rick Erickson, Bob Erickson, Cory Erickson, Terry Toll and Andy Hillman. Honorary Pallbearer is Harrison Hillman. Additionally, join friends and family to share your fondest memories for an informal dinner gathering from 3-5 PM at Lake View Restaurant in Shell Lake. 

His family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations are sent to Parkinson’s Research Association https://www.michaeljfox.org

Arrangements are being handled by Skinner Funeral Home-Shell Lake.

Last Update: Dec 16, 2018 5:48 pm CST