Benjamin John Hilmer Obituary (1928 - 2016)

Benjamin John Hilmer, 88, Roscoe, IL died at 8:02 p.m., Tuesday, December 20, 2016 surrounded by his family. Born August 11, 1928 in Westfield Township, Sauk County WI, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Daniel and Lydia (Albers) Hilmer. He graduated from Reedsburg High School. He lived many years in the Roscoe area, coming from Reedsburg, Wisconsin after high school. He married Joan Elsie Stouffer in Beloit, WI at St. Paul Lutheran on August 21, 1954. He was employed as an Electrical and Hydraulic Engineer for 45 years. He was last employed by Barber Colman and Bourn and Koch. He was a Sergeant in the Army, and was stationed in Germany post World War II. Ben was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church. He was involved in many organizations, and was a member in the Collide-O-Scopes Square Dance Club, Roscoe VFW, Masonic Lodge, and the Rockton American Legion. Ben was a volunteer with the Genealogy Library. He has published four books on his and his wife’s family history which required extensive research and travel. Later in life he loved spending time with his grandchildren making snowmen and other outdoor activities. He also enjoyed traveling internationally with his wife Joan by his side. Survivors include his wife, Joan, sons, Rod (Julie) Hilmer; Dana (Elaine) Hilmer; and Doug (Kim) Hilmer, grandchildren, David Hilmer, Derek (Anna) Hilmer; Melissa (James) Cuellar; Krista (Kyle) Lemke; Jarod (Alexandra) Hilmer; sister, Bernadine (Ray) Klute, and sister-in-law, Brenda Hilmer. Preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Ronald Hilmer, and Marvin Hilmer. Memorial Ceremonies will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday January 7, 2017 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church 749 Bluff St Beloit, WI with Pastor Tim Nybroten. officiating. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to service. Cremation rites will be accorded. Final resting place will be in Roscoe Township Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Our Saviors Lutheran Church, and Vets Roll 1777 Gardner St South Beloit, IL 61080