Betty L Hillmer

Madison - Betty L. Hillmer, age 86, died peacefully on Monday, April 4, 2011 at UW Hospital. She was born on January 27, 1925 in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin to Armin H. Grunewald and Ethel Leonard Grunewald. Betty's greatest joys were her family and her friends. She attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where she majored in occupational therapy. Her adventures as a pastor's wife began in June of 1946 when she married Gerhardt (Gary) Hillmer. In 1965 Betty and Gary settled in Madison, a city they grew to love, and where they continued to reside in their retirement years. While in Madison, Betty volunteered at Meriter Hospital, formerly Madison General, for 30 years. Most recently she served on the health committee and volunteered at the gift shop at Oakwood Village West where she was a resident. Betty is survived by her three children, Beth Harris of Madison, David Hillmer (Carol) of Pardeeville, and James Hillmer (Kris) of Sussex; seven grandchildren, Sarah Karp (Nate), Leah Harris, Karen Hobson (Justin), Matt Hillmer (Danna), Brian Hillmer (Casey), Kim Hillmer and Alex Hillmer; and four great-grandchildren, Ava, Andrew, Abby and Bryce. She is also survived by two brothers-in-law, Carl Hillmer (Carla), and Mark Hillmer (Bonnie), two sisters-in-law, Ellen Hillmer, and Marylin Grunewald, and many nieces and nephews. Betty was preceded in death by Gary, her loving husband of 63 years, her brother Armin Grunewald Jr., and her brother-in-law Sigmund Hillmer. The family wishes to thank the loving and caring staff at Oakwood Village West as well as her friends and neighbors who brought her so much joy. The family also thanks the wonderful staff at UW Hospital. A visitation will be held on Friday, April 8th, 2011 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 9th, 2011 at 10:00 AM in Resurrection Chapel at OAKWOOD VILLAGE-WEST 6201 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI. Pastor David Susan and Chaplain Gwen Brandfass will officiate. Memorials may be made to Oakwood Foundation Endowment Fund, 6201 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53705.