James M. “Mike” Hillard, 73, of Galena, IL, passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Big Meadows Nursing Home in Savanna, IL. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Galena, where friends may call from 9 AM until the time of Mass. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family. Mike was born on December 15, 1951, in Dubuque, IA, to James P. and Joanne (Piquette) Hillard. He graduated from Galena High School in 1970. Mike went on to attend the University of Platteville. He married Marianne Stovall on November 4, 1972, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Mike was the proud owner and chairman of the board of Tri-State Travel, and, outside of his family, that role was his entire life. His greatest passion was golf, golf, and more golf; he prided himself on playing at many of the world’s most prestigious golf courses. His family hopes that he has been reunited with his best buddy, John Osmanski, and that they enjoy a round of golf, a cold beer, and a fine cigar together. Mike was a member of Galena Elks Lodge #882 and a founding member of the Galena Rotary Club in 1984. He also served on the boards of three banks: 1st National, Today’s Bank, and DB&T. He is survived by his wife, Marianne; his daughter, Aimee (Dr. Jeffrey) Hicks of Spring Grove, IL; and his son, Andrew (Amanda) Hillard of Galena. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren, whom he affectionately called his “pills”: Harrison, Ashton, and Julia Hicks, and Grace, Ava, and Olivia Hillard. He is also survived by three sisters: Patricia Hillard of Coralville, IA; Kimberlee (Jeff) DeWall of Galena; and Ann (Terry) Fleege of Colorado Springs, CO. Additionally, he leaves behind one brother, Mark (Donna) Hillard of Dubuque, IA; a brother-in-law, John Stovall of Freeport, IL; and many nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Robert and Camilla Stovall, and a brother-in-law, James Stovall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Mike. The family wishes to extend a special thank-you to Dr. Woods, the nurses and staff of Big Meadows Nursing Home, and Hospice of Freeport for their exceptional care and compassion, which will never be forgotten.
Mike Hillard
I am deeply sorry for the loss of Mike. I enjoyed our conversations and friendly banter. He lived life with style and class. He was a very down to earth and a humble man. I will miss you Mike.
Condolences from are family to yours. Your in our prayers.
Marianne and family, we are so saddened to hear of Mike’s passing! We all had some great times and I am sure he and Johnny O are having the time of their life again! I am sure the grass is definately greener on the other side! Thought and prayers with you all❤️🙏
On behalf of Larry and Jackie Richardson we send our condolences
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
My deepest condolences for all of his family, being a driver for the company since 1998 I met Mike since that year, rest in peace Mike!
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I will keep the family in Mr thoughts and prayers.
Mike was a true friend. He and Marianne were always so caring .He did a great job of raising Andrew and Aimee. He cherished his whole family. Now he and Johnny Oz can play every day! My thoughts and prayers are with him and his dear family! RIP Michael!
I have so many good memories with Mike on the golf course and off. He was always the life of the party with his big smile and wonderful laugh. The world was certainly a better place with him in it. Nobody was ever more proud of their family than Mike. He loved talking about his kids and grandkids. Truly a wonderful man.
Sending prayers and love to the entire family. I always enjoyed seeing Mike. Thoughts and hugs to Marianne and the extended family. I’m sure he’s visiting the 19th hole.
Marianne and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Wenda and i send our thoughts and prayers to you all. But your strong family ties will get you through this. Love yous all.
Gosh.
I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Please accept my condolences to the Hillard and Stovall families. Mike was influential in my youth, having played so many golf rounds at the Galena Golf Course. We sure shared special moments and so many memories! I have and will cherish these until I hit my last putt!
Marianne, Aimee, Andrew sending Condolences and prayers upon learning of Mikes passing. Sincerely, Linda Primrose Washburn
Marianne…so sorry to read you lost your husband. My heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. May all the good memories you have bring you comfort in the days ahead.
My condolences to the entire family ❤️
So very sorry to hear this. Mike was a very nice man. Condolences to the whole family. He will be missed by many.
Mike was a great guy and fun to see and chat with….a good golfer too!
Mike-bigger than life. He will so be missed.
I am so sorry to hear of Mikes passing. My sympathies to Marianne, and the entire Hillard and Stovall families. I will always remember Mike as a kind and generous man who cared about everyone he knew. Mike kept Galena “on the move.” RIP Mike! ⛳️
Sorry for your loss. I remember how hard Mike worked every year to make sure we had a fan bus for all Pirate football playoff games. One game he didn’t have a bus but he was able to get one from another bus company. He will be greatly missed.
My deepest condolences to the Hilliard family .
Always loved Mike’s company and positive life .
Great memories . RIP my friend
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Many fun times golfing at Geneva National. Our deepest sympathy.
So sorry for your loss. My condolences to the family.
Mike was a great guy. Our condolences to Marianne, Aimee and family and Andrew and family. Praying for all of you. Dianne Paxton, Tonya and Todd Knautz.
Very sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. A larger than life personality. So committed to family, business and community. I don’t ever recall seeing him without a smile on his face and a friendly greeting. A truly great man. Love to the Hillard family.
Marianne
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. I have fond memories of Mike running with my brother Bobby during the high school years! Mike was a good man and now at peace! Blessings
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I’ll keep you all in my prayers
Marianne,
Cart and I send our deepest sympathies to you and your families. Mike was too young to not be here. It is hard to believe.
RIP Mike…
My deepest condolences to Marianne and the Hillard family.
We had many great memories being neighbors.
May your memories shared as a family live long in your hearts.
My deepest. heartfelt sympathies to the Hillard and Stovall families. it is always hard to lose a loved one, but may it bring you happiness from all the memories created over the years and in knowing that he is now truly resting in peace, comfort and happiness.
In the memories you cherish, may you find peace. Our condolences on the passing of your dad! From all of us at Sports Travel and Tours.
Andy I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Marianne and Family, so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing, my prays and thoughts are with you and your family.
Marianne and family,
Sorry to hear of your loss. Mike was one of the good ones, always a joke, a smile and lived and loved every moment! Lots of great Timmerman’s memories, he will be missed!
Marianne and family. Mike gave a young college guy a shot when he was a senior at UD back in 1979. Started out driving and then worked in operations with Rick, Althea, Betty and Max. Memories I’ve cherished my entire life. With sincere condolences to the entire family. Godspeed, Mike.
Marianne and family so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing senditswtzr @ ng sincere sympathy to all of your family rip Mike