GALENA—Msgr. Everett J. Hiller, died Sunday, June 21, 2015, at Midwest Medical Center here after a long illness.

He was born on Feb. 3, 1924, in McHenry, to William and Susan (Schmitt) Hiller.

Msgr. Hiller attended Sacred Heart Seminary, Geneva, and continued to St. Mary Seminary, Baltimore, Maryland. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 27, 1954, by Bishop Raymond Hillinger at St. Joseph Parish in Harvard.

In 1968, he received a Masters degree in Religious Education from Loyola University in Chicago. On May 21, 2011, he received the papal honor of Prelate of Honor (monsignor) from Pope Benedict XVI.

His first assignment was Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph Parish, Elgin, (June 1954-June 1957). He then was assigned as Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph Parish, Aurora (June 1957-August 1961); Chaplain, St. Joseph Hospital, Belvidere (August 1961-December 1967); Spiritual Director, Boylan Central Catholic High School, Rockford (September 1961-December 1967); Pastor, St. Mary Parish, Oregon (December 1967-January 1969); Pastor, St. Mary Parish, Sterling (January 1969-September 1973); Parochial Administrator of St. Mary Parish, Tampico (February 1970-March /1970); Pastor, St. Rita Parish, Aurora (October 1973-June 1985); Pastor, St. Ann Parish, Warren and St. Joseph Parish, Apple River (June 1985-June 2000).

He was the first chairperson of the priest personnel board and served two terms on the presbyteral council. He also organized the first team ministry serving two parishes in 1970.

Msgr. Hiller retired from active ministry in June, 2000.

He is survived by his sisters Bernice Freund and Mildred Durben, brother priests and special friends and caregivers Joseph and Judy Misenko.

He is predeceased by his parents, his sister Estelle Klapperich, and his brother Norbert Hiller.

Visitation with rosary was Wednesday, June 24, 2015, at St. Joseph Church, Apple River. Additional visitation was from 10-10:45 a.m. at St. Ann Church prior to the funeral Mass, Thursday, June 25, 2015, at 11 a.m. at St. Ann Church, Warren. Bishop David Malloy was the celebrant.

Burial was at St. Ann’s Cemetery in Warren.