Hilaire "Hilary" E. Caron, 84, of Owatonna, died unexpectedly on Friday, November 20, 2009 at his home. He was born November 27, 1924 in Faribault, Minnesota the son of Eli and Dorothy (Poirier) Caron. He attended country school near Hollandale and graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1943. In the fall of 1943, he was drafted into the United States Army and spent two years in the South Pacific during WWII. After receiving his honorable discharge, he moved to Owatonna and worked at Flom's Standard Gas Station. He was united in marriage to DeLoris Gage in June 1949. Together they raised six sons. He owned and operated his own service station from 1951 until 1962. He then managed the American Legion Club for five years. Hilary then went to work at Piggly Wiggly for 10 years and later for Owatonna Manufacturing which he retired from. Hilary was active in the community. He was a lifetime member of the Eagles, the VFW, the American Legion and Knight of Columbus. He helped at Senior Place and the Steele County Food Shelf. He was also a cub master for eight years. Hilary was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing card games and growing vegetables in his garden. He is survived by his wife DeLoris Caron of Owatonna; six sons, Stephen Caron of Spokane, WA; Michael (and Joan) Caron of Owatonna; Timothy (and Arlene) Caron of Owatonna; Gregory (and Linda) Caron of Lee's Summit, MO; Theodore (and Lena) Caron of Kenosha, WI; Andrew (and Calley) Caron of Remer; a sister, Marion (and Louis) Weseman of Albert Lea; brother-in-law, Ray Cochlin of Albert Lea; 13 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and a brother. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 24 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a Rosary at 4:30 PM and one hour prior to the service in the church. Mass of Christian burial will be held Wednesday, November 25 at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church with The Reverend Edward McGrath officiating. Interment will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Owatonna. Military honors will be provided by Steele County Military Funeral Unit. Memorials are preferred to Senior Place, Steele County Food Shelf or any Veterans Service Group Visitation: 11/24/2009 16:00 11/24/2009 20:00 Service: with a Rosary at 4:15 PM and one hour prior to the service in the church 11/25/2009 10:30