Nelson W. Hilst

Nelson W. Hilst, 98, of Manito, passed away at Mason City Area Nursing Home at 2:49 a.m., on Sunday, January 4, 2026. He was born February 27, 1927, in Manito, Illinois, to Henry and Mamie (Weyhrich) Hilst.

Mr. Hilst is survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as four siblings: Ivan Hilst, Robert Hilst, Henry Hilst Jr., and Irma Weyrich.
Mr. Hilst was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, near Manito. He worked for Caterpillar Inc., for thirty-one years, retiring in 1978. He was a member of UAW Local #974, East Peoria. He served in the US Army during WWII.
Funeral Services will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, January 9, 2026. Visitation will be held immediately prior to the services from 9:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., also at the church. Burial will follow the services at Meadowlawn Cemetery, in Manito. Rev. Matthew Berndt will officiate. Burial detail will be provided by Hill Palmer American Legion Post #561.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Maas-Hurley Funeral Home, in Manito, is in charge of arrangements.