JoAnn Hillen
Jerseyville | Save
JoAnn Marie Hillen, 87, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and faithful friend, passed away at 9:15 p.m., Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Alton Memorial Hospital.
Born on April 9, 1939, in Meppen, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Dorothy (McGee) Klaas. Affectionately nicknamed “Toots”, she was raised in the close-knit community of Meppen, graduated from Brussels High School, and carried throughout her life the values of kindness and unwavering devotion to those she loved.
On November 27, 1958, she married the love of her life, Clifford Aloysius Hillen, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Meppen. Together they shared nearly 47 years of marriage before Cliff’s passing on August 17, 2005. Their life together was one centered on faith, family and friendship, and they were blessed with five children, a growing family of grandchildren and great grandchildren, and countless cherished memories.
In 1965, JoAnn and Cliff settled with their young family in the Alton area and built many lifelong friendships. They spent many of their later years together in Blue Springs, Missouri, adding more great friends and spending countless hours together on the golf course. During this time they became active members of St. John LaLande Catholic Church. In the course of Cliff’s illness and passing, they returned to Jerseyville, where JoAnn found comfort in family and friends, and becoming a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church.
JoAnn possessed a quiet strength and a generous heart that made everyone feel welcome.While golf was undoubtedly one of the great passions she shared with Cliff, she also enjoyed bowling, sewing, crafts, and painting in her younger years. She filled her later years with golfing in leagues and tournaments, working at Josephine's Gifts, volunteering, and treasured her many friendships made through these activities.
Faith, family and friends formed the foundation of JoAnn’s life. She believed there was no greater calling than caring for those she loved. She found joy in creating a warm, welcoming home, took pride in keeping it beautiful, and rarely let a day pass without making sure supper was hot and ready when her family walked through the door. Those simple, everyday acts of love became the lasting legacy she leaves behind. She taught by example that the greatest expressions of love are often found in the quiet moments of service, generosity and simply being present.
Her greatest happiness came as her family continued to grow. She delighted in watching her grandchildren become adults and was especially proud to welcome each new great-grandchild into the family, celebrating every milestone and every blessing along the way.
She is survived by her five children and their spouses, Pam and Dan Presgrave of Apollo Beach, Florida, Beth Hillen of Alton, Scott Hillen and Colleen Covington of Austin, Texas, Terry and Kathy Hillen of Columbia, Illinois, and Matt Hillen and Meagan Grant of Chicago; her twelve grandchildren, Travis Hillen and Ali Schmidt of Fort Collins, Colorado, Garrett Hillen of Dallas, Texas, Cheyenne Kelker of Austin, Texas, Ethan Maul of Jerseyville, Andrew and Jenna Maul of Jerseyville, Erin Suits of Alton, Wesley Hillen of Decatur, Whitney and Austin Miller of Columbia, Missouri, Jacob Hillen of Columbia, Illinois, and Maggie, Ellie and Connor Hillen, all of Chicago; six great-grandchildren, Lyla, Abby, James, Elsie, Sophie and Murphey, with another precious great-grandchild expected soon; a brother and sister in law, Wilfred “Nupe” and Pam Klaas of Chesterfield, Missouri; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her love.
In addition to her parents and her beloved husband, she was preceded in death by a cherished granddaughter, Savannah Hillen; and by her siblings, Steve (Marie) Klaas, Norman “Curly” (Joan) Klaas, and Jim Klaas.
A Memorial Visitation will be held from 9 until 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.
A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville, with a luncheon immediately following at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Jerseyville.
Private inurnment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Meppen.
Memorials may be given to St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic School or for Masses.
Crawford Funeral Home
