Dr. Hilree Jean Hamilton

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Hamilton, Dr. Hilree Jean Hilree Jean Hamilton was born on October 25, 1948, in Denver, Colorado to Ruth (nee Norris) and Percy Hamilton. Hilree grew up in South Dakota, Germany, Maryland, Florida, Colorado, Texas, Alabama, and England, as Percy's assignments in the US Air Force shifted. She was a laughing blond little girl who sang and danced her way through early childhood. She followed her gifts into a major in Music Education at Colorado State College in Greeley, Colorado, where she graduated in 1971. Hilree's first job was in Shawnee Mission, Kansas, where she immediately found her feet in the elementary music classroom and began to develop expertise in Orff instruments. She eventually became an executive member of the International Orff Organization (AOSA) and frequently presented papers at their international conferences. She was also very active in the MN and WI music educators associations. Hilree enjoyed teaching standard Elementary Music programs as well as training and teaching as a Music Therapist. Hilree met her husband, Kyle Brokken, and they were married on May 27th, 1989 in Eden Prairie, MN. They both loved to entertain friends, exercise and spend time in the great outdoors. Colorado and Florida were favourite destinations. In the last three years, they also visited Italy and Austria. In 1989, Hilree continued her studies at the University of Minnesota, where she completed her PhD in Music Education. After teaching at the University of Minnesota, she found her dream job at the University of Wisconsin (River Falls), where she was a valued member of the Music department and an inspiration to aspiring Music Education students. She taught there from 1998 to the present. On January 7th, 2011, Hilree passed at her home with her husband at her side. She is now in her Saviour's arms after a 2+ year heroic battle with uterine leiomyosarcoma cancer. Cancer never took her love for her family, her students, little children and education. Hilree leaves here on earth her husband Kyle Brokken of Eagan, MN, her father Percy Hamilton and a brother Mark Hamilton of Bradenton, FL, and a sister Gayle Hamilton-Gill (David) of London England. She also leaves here on earth loving nieces, nephews, many supportive colleagues and a whole generation of music educators who will continue, inspired by Hilree's passion, to shape the lives of future generations of students and teachers. Hilree has joined her beloved mother Ruth, who died in March 2006, and Kyle's father Jack, who left us in August 2010. We are consoled by the thought of seeing her beautiful face again and hearing her songs and infectious laughter. Memorial Service 2 PM Saturday, January 22nd at RIVER HILLS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 11100 River Hills Drive, Burnsville. Gathering of Friends 1 hour prior to the service at church. Hilree; you are always in our hearts and souls! Your well lived life has purposely touched so many people and immortalized you with music. May the cherub choirs of heaven sing you beautiful music until we see you again. We love you. Klecatsky & Sons - Eagan Chapel klecatskys.com 651-454-9488

Published on January 9, 2011