Joe Hillenburg: ‘Easy-Going’ and ‘Upbeat’ Firefighter

Press release from Six Rivers Forest Service:

Joe Hillenburg and his daughter Jossie.

Joe Hillenburg and his daughter Jossie. [Photo courtesy of the Hillenburg family]

The Six Rivers National Forest is mourning the loss of Joe Hillenburg, a firefighter on the forest’s Orleans/Ukonom Ranger District, who passed away July 1, following a brief illness. Although Joe had only been with the Six Rivers for 3 years, he started his firefighting career nearly 25 years ago with the National Park Service at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area on their prescribed fire crew.

His career in fire continued when he joined the Forest Service ranks on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, in 2002; followed by time on the Malheur National Forest, in 2007; and the Klamath National Forest, in 2008 until June 2017, when he came to the Six Rivers.

“I got to know Joe when we both worked on the Klamath National Forest,” said Ted McArthur, forest supervisor for the Six Rivers. He added, “He and his family spent many wonderful years in the area, growing to love the Klamath Mountains—and we grew to love him—his easy going nature, his upbeat personality, and his steadfast approach to his duties and his willingness to help others.”

Prior to becoming a firefighter in 1996, Joe served in the US Army in Germany and in Desert Storm.

In his spare time, Joe wandered the woods and waters of the Klamath River basin as both a hunter and a fisherman. His adoration and unwavering devotion to his children and grandchildren carried over in his interaction with all children making him a beloved figure in the community both at the annual Father’s Day parade and during education initiatives at local schools.

Joe is survived by his wife Kris Hillenburg; children Patrick, Kymmy and Josselynn (Jossie); and grandchildren Ashland Parker and Anna Douglas.

A celebration of life event will be held at River Park in Happy Camp on July 18. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation (https://wffoundation.org/).

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3 years ago

I’m glad to have shared some small bit of life on this part of the earth with such a beautiful and fine man (he must have been in a fire camp or two with me over the years). I’m also grateful for his care for his children and the children of his community.
Condolences and blessings to his family.