Hilmer, Ralph Arthur

Ralph Arthur Hilmer, of Phoenix, Ariz., formerly of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Sept. 13, 2011, at the age of 79, just short of his 80th birthday. Celebration of Life services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at First Baptist Church, 1260 29th St., Marion. A private graveside service for family and close friends will be held at 10 a.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Carole Hickey Hilmer; his children, April (Michael) Cramer, Aaron Hilmer and Alison (Patrick) Wiers; brothers, Marvin (Elizabeth) Hilmer and Walter Hilmer; sister, Adeline Rompot; grandchildren, David Hilmer, Ellacia Maxey and LeRoy Curtis; and great-grandchildren, Elijah, Kira, Raven, Justin and Mary.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Edna Hilmer; and siblings, Eldo Hilmer, Ruben Hilmer, Alice Johnson, Gladys Main and Mae Gatto.

Ralph was the sixth of nine children born to Arthur and Edna Hilmer in Ludlow Township, Allamakee County, Iowa. After moving to Marion as a youth, Ralph graduated from Marion High School. He served in the Marine Corps during the Korean conflict. Following his discharge he became a building contractor in Iowa. In 1970, Ralph moved his family to Arizona, where he was the Lake Havasu City Building Inspector. He later moved to Phoenix, where he was with the Registrar of Contractors before returning to being a building contractor.

Ralph was very involved in his church and spent a lot of time doing mission work and helping others. Ralph was a 50-year member of Masonic Lodge 548 of Marion.

Ralph had great fun with his Model A cars; he loved listening to people, and he loved helping whoever needed a hand.

He loved the Lord, he loved his family, and he believed every person could do something to make a difference.

Published Oct. 16, 2011, in The Gazette