I like the redaction tool idea as a workaround. That will make life a good deal easier so I can do the more permanent fix when I have more time on my hands. Thanks GIlad.
Anne
Update - Good news is once those fields are minimized and moved off the visible page, they disappear. Unfortunately redaction doesn't work as the only way to view those fields was when in form editing mode. Also couldn't remove hidden information as those fields don't show up in the field list, either. For now they are just sitting as tiny spots in a corner on each page where they existed. And the finished product looks and works as it should. . . .