Freeport-Lela E. Hillmer, 92, of Freeport, died Saturday, June 30, 2007, at the La Jolla Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in San Diego, California.
Born May 30, 1915 in Cadiz, Wisconsin she was the daughter of Clark E. and Ruth (Samels) Goodman.
When she was one year old the family moved to Montana where they lived until the Great Depression when they moved back to Illinois where her father farmed in the Winslow area.
She married LeRoy M Ocker on November 26, 1937 in Iowa. He was a casualty of World War II, serving with the Navy in December of 1944. She married William H. Hillmer April 28, 1951 in Toledo, Ohio by Reverend Henry Haberkamp. After their honeymoon they resided in Freeport. He preceded her in death on November 18, 1994. They had a son, William A. Hillmer who also preceded her in death on May 3, 2006 in Dan Diego, California. He was 53.
Lela was a dedicated member of Embury United Methodist Church as well as a long time volunteer at FHN Memorial Hospital.
Surviving is her son, Lee (Sarah) Ocker of Orion, Michigan; her daughter in-law, Julie Hillmer of Sand Diego; four grandchildren, Jeff, Sarah, Rachel, and Dana Ocker all of Michigan; one sister, Shirley Baumgartner of Monroe, Wisconsin; her extended family, Mary (William) Sisler of Freeport and their children and grandchildren; and many special friends and relatives.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, Leo Goodman of Montana
Lela was loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Funeral service will be Friday 1 p.m. at Embury United Methodist Church with Reverend Jonathan Singleton and Reverend William H. Blomberg officiating. Burial will be in the Oakland Cemetery & Mausoleum.
Visitation will be Friday 12 noon until time of service at Embury United Methodist Church.
A memorial has been established for Embury United Methodist Church.
Lela's family invites friends to extend condolences, share a memory, light a candle, or share a caring heart in her honor at www.walkermortuary.com.