Larry Arven "Bear" Hilde, age 59, of Eveleth, died Friday, February 5, 2016. He was born March 17, 1956, in Virginia, the son of Lowell and Alida (Thorson) Hilde. He graduated from Cherry High School and went on to attend Mesabi Community College. He graduated from UMD with a Bachelor of Applied Science, Electronics Specialization.

Larry's work experience began on the family farm and at his father's feed store. After high school he worked as a laborer and carpenter, and then as maintenance man for East West Realty in Duluth. He spent several years as a Senior Technician in Sanford, Florida at Heathrow. He then ventured to Alaska where he had opportunities as a commercial fisherman in Sitka and Petersburg, as a tree thinner in the Tongass National Forest, as a TVRO technician at Shemya Air Force Base in the Aleutian Islands and as a gold prospector in Canada along the Stikine River. In business partnership with family and friends he also became the owner of the Chilkat, one of the first ferries built for the Alaska Marine Highway.

Larry thoroughly enjoyed visiting with numerous treasured family members and friends.

You never knew when he would stop by to say hello, have coffee, share a story or joke and debate life's issues. He especially enjoyed time with his nieces, nephews and grand nephews.

​Larry is survived by his siblings: Lynn (Lynne) Hilde of Cherry, MN, Lee (Kristine) Hilde of Fountain City, WI, Lyle Hilde of Sitka, AK, LeRoy (Barb) Hilde of Eveleth, MN, LoAnn Hilde of Anchorage, AK, Louise (Bill) Curnow of Duluth, MN, and Lowell Hilde, Jr. of Eveleth, MN; Nieces and Nephews: Kristen (Chase) Cooper, Amy (Matt) Pearson, Dana Hilde, Karl Hilde, Sam Hilde, Eric Hilde, Christina Wallner, Kerry Heikkila, Emma Heikkila, Billy Curnow, Cullen Curnow and Bjorn Hilde; Great-Nephews: Rylyn Cooper and Radlee Cooper; and numerous beloved uncles and many very special family and friends.

​He was preceded in death by his parents and his infant sister.

​A gathering time for family and friends will be held from 11:30 am until the 1 pm Memorial Service on Friday, February 26, 2016, at Faith United Lutheran Church in Iron. Pastor Swanson will officiate. Inurnment will be at a later date at the Forbes Cemetery.

Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

Born: March 17, 1956 Place of Birth: Virginia, MN Death: February 5, 2016 Hobbies: Larry thoroughly enjoyed visiting with numerous treasured family members and friends. You never knew when he would stop by to say hello, have coffee, share a story or joke and debate life's issues. He especially enjoyed time with his nieces, nephews and grand nephews. Gathering Time for Family & Friends Friday February 26, 2016 , 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Faith United Lutheran Church
Memorial Service Friday February 26, 2016 , 1:00 p.m. at Faith United Lutheran Church
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