"I enjoyed her and her co-workers when they fixed lunch for all of the students at Essex Schools. I graduated in 1985 from Essex. Everyone was fantastic and she always had a smile on her face and its reflection shined onto everyone who passed through the kitchen and now that she has passed on, I will always remember the kind person she was. She definitely will be missed!"
In loving memory of
Charlotte L. Hilker
November 21, 2006
Burial will be in the Essex Cemetery. Memorials are being directed to the Essex Community Betterment Fund.
Charlotte LaRue Hilker, daughter of Charles (Jack) Bice and Margaret (Abraham) Bice, was born at Edison, Nebraska, on February 8, 1938 and passed away at Omaha, Nebraska on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at the age of 68.
She lived the early part of her life in the Edison, Nebraska area. Charlotte received her early education at Turkey Creek Country School near Edison, and graduated from Oxford, Nebraska High School with the Class of 1956.
On June 22, 1957 Charlotte was united in marriage to Russell Hilker at the United Methodist Church in Oxford, Nebraska. After their marriage they lived in several towns where Russell was employed during his career in public education. They lived in Big Springs, Stratton, and Neligh, Nebraska before settling in Essex, Iowa.
Charlotte worked in The Essex Community School District Child Nutrition Department from 1974 until retiring as manager in 2001 for a total of 26 years. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Essex, where she had served on the church council. Charlotte spent several years as Luther League Sponsor when her sons were in school. She served as co-sponsor for a number of Senior Trips and Band Trips. Charlotte had many interests but she loved being with family and grandchildren, traveling, and camping with friends.
Preceding Charlotte in death were her parents, and a sister JoAnn Schroeder. Survivors include her husband Russell; four sons, Marty Hilker and wife Linda, Randy Hilker and wife Shannon, all of Shenandoah, Iowa; Barry Hilker and wife Cathy of Westminster, Colorado; and John Hilker of Essex, Iowa; grandchildren, Adam and Emily Hilker of Westminster, Colorado, and Ian Hilker of Shenandoah, Iowa; brothers, Tim Bice and wife Sandra of Cozad, Nebraska, Darwin Bice and wife Delores of Fremont, Nebraska; three step grandchildren, Robert Keller, Eva Seering and Michelle Fichter; brother-in-law, Neale Schroeder of Arapahoe, Nebraska; along with a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 25, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Essex. Pastor John Swenson gave the words of comfort. Special music of "Amazing Grace" and "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" by Lorretta Lynn was played at the service. Organist was Pat Tillman. The congregation sang "Beautiful Savior". Caring for the flowers were Linda Veak and Lenora Carlson. Attending the memory register were Lorna Glasgo and Donna Ross. Ushers were Bernard Veak, Jr., and Larry Glasgo. Casket bearers were Adam Hilker, Ian Hilker, Chadd Bice, Patrick Bice, Dan Bice and Mason Schroeder. Interment was in the Essex Cemetery. Memorials are being directed to the Essex Community Betterment Fund. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"Dear Russell and boys/families, We have been out of town and just learned of Charlotte's death. Our heartfelt sympathy to all of you. We have good memories of your family and ours in Essex. Sincerely, Jim and Mag Offenbacker"
"Dear Russell and Family My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this sad time. What a wonderful lady she was."
"I'm so sorry for your lose. She was a dear and sweet woman. I will always remember her as one of the sweetest women I've known from the Essex JR.SR. High School Cafateria. You are all in my prayers and thoughts. Love, Debbie"
"Russ and family, Our hearts go out to all of you as you are missing your Charlotte. Many good memories of your entire family. She was such a big part of Essex. She will truly be missed. BLESS HER HEART!"
"Thoughts and prayers to the family. I remember Mrs. Hilker and all the years working in the school lunch room. God bless."
"Russ and family, Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. David, Susan, Matt and Andrea Stevens "
"So sorry to hear about your loss. Just keep in mind that Charlotte is in a better place now. Kim and I thoughts and prayers are with you and the family."