John T. Hilding
January 10, 2021
John Thadeus Hilding, age 75, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Sunday, January 10, 2021.
John was born November 11, 1945 in Fairfield, Iowa to Charles Edward and Alma Lucille (Perrnoud) Hilding. He was a company truck driver for most of his life, his last employment being with Villirillo Gardens. John retired in 2003.
John was a very social person, and once you met him you were quickly his friend. One of his favorite pastimes was watching wildlife on his property. It gave him great comfort up until the end. John was also an avid football fan.
John’s family was his greatest treasure. He loved them above everything. He had the most fun teasing his grandkids and teaching them all to drive on the back gravel roads.
John is survived by his wife, Susan Hilding; his children, Carolyn (Jessie) Wilson, Roy (Tammi) Fredericksen, Deana (John) Ferguson, Debbie (David Brown) DeVoogd, Jake (Gina) DeVoogd, and Gary DeVoogd; brothers, James Hilding and Bill Hilding; sisters, Mary Friemel, Martha McAntee, Janet Morris, and Patty Hilding; mother-in-law, Louise Harbert; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Alma Hilding; his first wife, Sandra Kay (Chambers) Hilding; brothers, Richard Hilding and Kenny Hilding; and his sister, Louise Hilding.
Services will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Masks and social distancing required.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the family for a future designation.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Tim & Dianna (Hilding) Wiegert
01/19/2021
We will miss Uncle John. He was so good to so many. RIP.
Mimi D
01/15/2021
sue & family, So sorry for your loss! The "Captain" will greatly be missed! What a fun guy. He could always make everyone laugh!
Cathy Punelli
01/14/2021
Sue, I am so sorry to hear of John's passing and I really wish I could give you a big hug right now. I know I gave you several hugs during some difficult times and wish I could now. John is one of those people who touched my heart and will always hold a specail place there.
Eddie killen
01/13/2021
I will miss you John till we meet again love you
Linda Grabill
01/13/2021
isnt is sad that he is gone however to leave his only biological child out of the obit that is selfish and sad. Julie Hilding Kinkennon you are his only biological child and I am sorry for your loss.
Pam Killen
01/13/2021
We will miss John..he was a special character in our lives! One thing that stands out he called our house and one of the girls answered and ask for Eddie, he wasn't home so John said tell him The "Sheriff" called! that has stuck all these years and they still call him the Sheriff! RIP John til we meet again!
Bill and Joan
01/12/2021
Thinking of you and sending our condolences.
Melissa HUffman
01/11/2021
When I heard the bad news about John I was heart broken. I am so very sorry for your loss. John was an exceptional person. We were not "family" but by Gods will he introduced John,Sue and I. You two will remain my family. I love you both!! John will forever be missed and thought of. The cardinals have you now buddy. Love and prayers.
Buck Killen
01/11/2021
Brother Iwill miss you .
Brent Killen
01/11/2021
First off, I want to say I am very sorry for the loss of Uncle John. He was always a loving uncle who treated us all very kindly. Even when I was young he would talk to me as if I was an equal, not just a kid. That was hard to come by in my family, but not with Uncle John. A lot of people don't know you can spell Hilding with a K, or Killen with an H. We did though, because we were family. It isn't the last name that makes somebody family, it's the love in their hearts that does. Uncle John had lots of love for his family, and everyone else who crossed his path. They say that a man's greatness can be judged by the company he kept and what he left behind. I think we can say Uncle John was one heck of a great guy, because he kept great company and left us all with some great memories we will not forget. As for what he left behind, I'm sure we will all agree that his children and grandchildren have and will match or exceed Uncle John's levels of kindness and love for family. So to all of the Hilding family, (AKA my family), I express my sincere sorrow for our loss. I love you all. God Bless.