Hillel F. Sweet

Hillel F. Sweet
On Friday, November 13, 2020, Hillel "Hill" F. Sweet, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and uncle, passed away peacefully at age 93 at his home in Minnetonka. Hill lived a long, joyful, energetic and productive life, full of fun experiences. He was born on October 7, 1927, in Minneapolis, MN. He graduated from University High in 1946 where he was a Minnesota state high school wrestling champion. After graduating, he served in the Army in Japan from 1946-1948. Hill married the love of his life, Arlene Kaufman, on November 20, 1949, and spent the next 71 years with her. He created a successful business called Minnesota Auto Parts and had a great passion for antique cars and motorcycles. He was renowned for his restoration skills and antique motorcycle collection, and he was a long-time member of Corvair Minnesota and charter member of the Viking Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club. Hill loved being at his cabin, fishing, hunting, training prize-winning hunting dogs, and he was an avid reader of history. Hill was an inventor with multiple patents, known for his innovative ideas and mechanical talents. He was a kind man of few words who made friends wherever he went. He showed his love through actions and whenever his family told him they loved him, he would say “It goes without saying.” His grandchildren were the delight of Hill’s life.

Preceded by parents, Harry and Ida Sweet; siblings, Douglas, Jack and Conrad Sweet and their wives Elaine and Annette; in-laws, Dr. Jerry and Pauline Kaufman, Annette and Burt Davidson, and Hal Divine; and uncountable friends. Survived by children, Bette Jo (Loren) Siegel, Linda (Stephen Mitzner) Victor, Jonathan (Lisa) Sweet and Carol (Frank) Nichols; grandchildren, Robert (Lauren) Victor, Frankie Nichols, Jamie Nichols, Hannah Sweet, Dina Sweet, Marc (Casita) Mitzner, Julie (Paul) Rubin, and Allison Mitzner Schulder; great-grandchildren, Henry, Lia, Penn, Serena, Eva (and another on the way); in-laws, Alvin and Audrey Kaufman and Rita Divine; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great grand nieces and nephews who all meant so much to him. Funeral service via Zoom on Monday November 16, 2020 at 1 pm. Shiva Monday at 7pm. Email zoom4@hodroffepstein.com for links. Memorials preferred to the Hill and Arlene Sweet Fund at Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Minneapolis or donor’s choice.