Roger F. Hilmer

Roger F. Hilmer, 99, formerly of Rochester, died Thursday, April 2, 2015 at Good Samaritan Society in Canton SD.He was born on April 28, 1915 in Grand Meadow Minnesota to Frederick and Mabel (Youngman) Hilmer.His career in trucking began at the age of 19, and his natural mechanical engineering skills served him well throughout his life.In 1939, he married Annette Marcella Matz at the First Methodist Church in Rochester, where they were active members. Roger served in the Army Infantry in the Italian and Pacific theaters during WWII. After the War, he founded, owned, and operated Hilmer Grain Company in Rochester where he remained for 23 years.In 1969, they moved to Florida, where he had a distinguished career as a financial planner at E F Hutton, and returned to Rochester in 2005.He was a member of the Rochester Male Chorus and a member of the Masonic Lodge (32nd degree) for over 70 years. Roger is survived by his son, Ray (Bertha) of Harrisburg, SD, daughter Judith (Robert Connelly) Hilmer of Salida, CO; and son Steve (Son Hui) of Edgerton, WI, four grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his wife, two sisters, one brother, one daughter, and his parents.He will always be remembered for his curiosity, creativity, and sense of adventure. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2015 at Christ United Methodist Church 400 5th Ave SW Rochester with Reverend Nancy Wheeler Handlon officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 pm Thursday at the church.Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery Rochester, MN. with military honors by American Legion Post #92.