Hillmer, Verne L. (1934-2008)

HILLMER, GADE, WAGGETT, PIERSON, SCHULTZ

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 1/3/2010 at 15:17:46

Verne L. Hillmer - Nov. 18, 1934 - Dec. 21, 2008

Verne L. Hillmer, age 74, of Albert City, Iowa, died on Sunday, December 21, 2008, at the Pocahontas Community Hospital at Pocahontas, Iowa.

Verne Lee Hillmer, the son of Alvin and Viola (Gade) Hillmer, was born on the family farm in rural Calhoun County, Iowa, on November 18, 1934. Verne lived his youth on the farm which was homesteaded by his grandparents when they immigrated to the United States from Germany. From a very young age, Verne loved being involved on the farm and this affinity for agriculture lasted throughout his lifetime. He received his education in Lytton, Iowa, graduating from Lytton High School in 1954. Verne continued his education in Omaha, Nebraska, where he attended Omaha University and the Commercial Extension College. He proudly served his country in the Nebraska Army Reserve as a reserve in the United States Army from March 23, 1953 to April 21, 1961.

Verne was united in marriage to Eleanor (Ellie) Waggett at the First Presbyterian Church in Lytton on September 3, 1955, and this couple was blessed with a daughter and a son: Kristy and Steven. Following their marriage, Verne and Ellie resided in the Omaha-Ralston, Nebraska area. Verne initially was an accountant and then was employed as an underwriter for Grain Dealers Mutual, Imperial Casualty, INA, and the Hartford Insurance group. While residing in Ralston, Verne was a reserve police officer, served on the Ralston City Council, was an officer in the Parent-Teacher Association and co-founded and led Junior Police for youth. In 1984, he began his association with Hopkins Insurance Services which was affiliated with the Albert City bank. Verne founded Hillmer Insurance Services Inc. in 1997 and operated his insurance agency until retiring in 2007.

Verne served his community as president of the Albert City Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the Lion’s Club and the Albert City American Legion. He was also a faithful member of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Albert City. For the Albert City Centennial in 1999, Verne created and built the “Freedom Train” for the enjoyment of children. He attended many parades and community celebrations throughout northwest Iowa so children could have a ride on his train. As a testament of his commitment to youth, he had served as a Boy Scout leader. He also was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Masonic Shrine. Verne was a loving and devoted husband, dad, and grandpa who cared very deeply for his family and enjoyed following and supporting their activities. When his children were young, they would take summer fishing and camping trips, making many fond memories for Kristy and Steve. Verne and Ellie enjoyed traveling together and especially enjoyed their trips to the Canadian Rockies, Alaska, and a trip last year to the New England states. With Verne’s love for farming, he enjoyed the times he could share his knowledge and help Steve with Steve’s farming operation.

Those who will always cherish their memories of Verne include his wife of 53 years, Ellie, of Albert City; his daughter, Kristy, and her husband, Gaylen Pierson of Fort Dodge, Iowa; his son, Steve Hillmer of Sac City, Iowa; his grandchildren: Michael, Austin, and Elisabeth; his sister and her husband, LaVonne and Jerry Schultz of Columbus, Nebraska; his sister-in-law, Marilene Hillmer of Teaneck, New Jersey; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Verne was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Delbert.

Services for Mr. Hillmer will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 27th, at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Albert City. Interment will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at Cedar Cemetery in rural Sac City, Iowa. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City is in charge of the arrangements.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 26, 2008 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City, where the family will be present during that time.

Copyright © 2008 Sliefert Funeral Homes

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