Jerry R. Hiben

Jerry Ray Hiben, age 75, of Boyceville, Wisconsin, passed away Friday July 25, 2025 at his home with family beside him, surrounded with love.

Jerry was born September 22, 1949, in Menomonie, Wisconsin, to Ray and Lucy (Kegen) Hiben. He grew up in Boyceville, on the family farm in Hay River township, attended Hawthorne and Pine Grove country schools and graduated from Boyceville High School in 1968.

Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Army in March of 1970 and was honorably discharged in June of 1971. He served in the Vietnam war with the 577th Engineering Battalion of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, known as “The Fighting Engineers”. His last duty assignment was with the 51st Asphalt Platoon as a General Construction Equipment Operator. He received the National Defense Service Medal. Jerry earned the Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, with one Overseas Service bar. He was an expert marksman. At the time of his honorable discharge, he was an SP4 rank, which is known as a Specialist.

He was a lifetime member of Dunn County Community VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 10424 also known as Wheeler VFW Post 10424, and Connorsville AmVets (American Veterans) Post 72. He participated in honor of and in memory of his military brothers.

Jerry married Julie McWithey on March 6, 1971, at the Ridgeland Lutheran Church. They raised three children in the Boyceville area. Jerry held many jobs over the years, working on a mink farm, lime truck driver, construction and concrete cement work, farmer, factory and maintenance positions.

Jerry loved fishing, trapping, and hunting, with everyone, especially with his father, son, grandchildren, and his loyal hound dogs, as much as he could. He enjoyed the outdoors with his wife Julie, family and friends, driving the four-wheeler or his “five star general” side by side, camping, casino trips, playing cards, shaking dice and spending time together which more often than not included telling jokes and stories with laughter and light hearted fun. We can’t forget his favorite pastime of all, spoiling his grandchildren and great granddaughter.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 54 years, Julie, daughters Jessica Hiben, Amanda (Kevin) Hanson, daughter-in-law Jody (Travis) Carlsrud. Also granddaughter Nicole (Trent) Campbell, granddaughter Allison (Jake Karlen) Hiben, grandson Dylan Hanson, granddaughter Ashlee Hanson. Great granddaughter Madalyn Campbell. Sisters Cindy Lee and Sue (Jeff) Booth. Sisters-in-law Rosemary McWithey, Sandy McWithey and Wendy McWithey. Many nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and fellow veterans, Vietnam veterans and military brothers.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Lucille (Kegen) Hiben, son Daniel Hiben, brother-in-law William “Bill” Lee, father and mother-in-law Malcolm and Edna (Stevens) McWithey, brothers-in-law Stephen McWithey and Donald (Jacklyn “Jackie” Schleusner) McWithey. Also grandparents John and Susie (Listiak) Hiben and grandparents Charles and Agnes (Mathieson) Kegen. Many uncles, aunts, cousins, family and friends. Also many military brothers, U.S. Army brothers and Mountain Yards (also known as Montagnards) in Vietnam.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date. His family is honoring Jerry’s wishes by not having any public services. If you knew Jerry, you’ll understand he was always there for others, but would rather not have any celebrations or gatherings to honor himself, even if it was a surprise.

If you feel inclined, sit outside, enjoy watching all wildlife and take in the nature that surrounds you. Add a drink of his favorite beverages of coffee, beer or whiskey. All in remembrance of Jerry.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com