Pike Township Family Stories
THE CLARENCE E. HILLYER FAMILY
Nichols, Iowa Centennial Book 1884-1984, pages 237-238
Written by Clarence HillyerClarence E. Hillyer, oldest son of James N. Hillyer and Edna L. Metcalf Hillyer (both are deceased), was born 24 February 1910. He spent his entire life in Nichols except for about a year spent in Hayfield, Minnesota, at an early age. He spent his early school days at three different country schools, started at the present Nichols school building at the age of seven and graduated from Nichols High school.
Clarence (known as Whitey) worked at various jobs as a boy, including working for W. E. Loeb in the cabbage fields and in his sauerkraut factory. He helped ice refrigerator cars from the ice house on the Rock Island Lines east of Nichols. He also helped his father, who was janitor at the Nichols High school.
Clarence married Gladys O. Fridley on 21 April 1939. Gladys was born near Keswick, Iowa. Her parents were Lincoln B. Fridley and Clare Caskey Fridley. Both are deceased.
Two daughters were born to Clarence and Gladys Hillyer, Marcia Lea Hillyer and Connie Sue Hillyer.
Clarence was employed by the Nichols Grain and Feed company, part of the Kent Feed chain. He worked for them until they sold the business. Then he worked at Louis Rich, Inc., in West Liberty as a security guard until his retirement. He was also a volunteer fireman for over fifteen years, and he’s been the city clerk for over forty years.
Gladys worked at the Rock Island Produce in west Liberty, then at the Owens Brush company in Iowa City before retiring.
Clarence and Gladys have spent many wonderful years in the community of Nichols. They belong to the Pike Grange, are charter members of the Nichols Community club and they, and their family, belong to the Nichols Christian church. They have lived in Nichols all of their married lives.
Marcia Lea Hillyer married Gary Lanfier. Twins, Ray Lee Lanfier and Jay Dee Lanfier, were born to them, and Gary Wayne Lanfier, Jr., is their third child. Jay is in the U. S. Air Force. The rest of the family lives in Nichols.
Connie Sue Hillyer was married to LeRoy Flake. They have four children: Bret Flake of Madison, Wisconsin; Timothy Flake of Glenwood, Iowa; and Adam Flake and Kim Flake at home in Hager City,Wisconsin.
Clarence and Gladys spend the summer months in Hill City, Minnesota. They have been active in bowling for about twenty-three years, but due to failing health, they no longer bowl. Memorable events other than our family were our 40th wedding anniversary celebration at the Christian church and being the grand marshals for Nichols Day.
As a final note, we are looking forward to going to Hill City, Minnesota, for another summer.
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Page created December 12, 2010 by Lynn McCleary