Gerhardt R. Hillmer

Madison -- Gerhardt R. Hillmer, age 91, died peacefully on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at UW Hospital. He was born on September 23, 1918 in Sodus, Michigan to E. Walter and Martha Wietzke Hillmer. Gerhardt's greatest joys were his faith and his family. He was a scholar who loved literature, linguistics and music. As a parish pastor, he positively impacted and lovingly served his parishioners. Gary, who he was called by family and friends, was four when he moved to Kenosha, WI with his parents and three brothers. It was also in Kenosha, that he graduated from high school in 1935. He graduated from Northwestern College in Watertown, WI in 1939. He attended Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO the following year and graduated in 1940. After graduating from Thiensville Seminary in Mequon, WI in 1942, he was ordained in November of that year at St. John's Lutheran Church in Wauwatosa, WI. Also in 1942, he was called to serve as a missionary and beganBluemound Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, now Divine Savior. Three years later, he led the start of Hampton Heights Lutheran, now Gloria Dei, while continuing at Bluemound. In June of 1946, Gary married the former Betty Grunewald. Three years later he accepted a call to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Franklin, WI. This was followed by a call in 1963 to Trinity Lutheran Church in Evansville, IN. In 1965, he accepted a call to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Madison, WI where he remained, and faithfully served, until his retirement in December of 1983. In 1969 he received a Master's Degree at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in Hebrew and Semitic Studies. Gary was involved with numerous organizations through the years, including Milwaukee WTMJ Radio and TV for Lutheran Board, Madison Optimist, Madison Biblical Archeological Society, Near East Side Coalition for the Elderly in Madison, and Downtown Madison Pastor's Association. As an accomplished linguist, he taught Latin, as well as Bible History at Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee. He tutored many students in Hebrew, Greek, Latin and German over the years. Gary loved music and sang in acappella choirs and played the trumpet. He is survived by Betty, his loving wife of 63 years; 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 Harris, Matt Hillmer (Dana), Brian Hillmer (Casey), Kimberly Hillmer and Alex Hillmer; and three great-grandchildren, Ava, Andrew and Abby. He is also survived by two brothers, Carl Hillmer (Carla), Mark Hillmer (Bonnie), sister-in-law, Ellen Hillmer, and many nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his brother, Sigmund Hillmer. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at UW Hospital. A visitation will be held on Friday, January 29, 2010 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 11:00 AM in Resurrection Chapel at OAKWOOD VILLAGE -- WEST, 6201 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI. Memorials may be made to Oakwood Foundation Endowment Fund, 6201 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53705.