Sept. 1, 1932 – July 25, 2010


Don Fredrick Hillmer, a son of the American Midwest, a former champion high school and college athlete who loved the outdoors, died Sunday, July 25, 2010, at his home in the town of Delafield.

The great grandson of German pioneer settlers, he was born Sept. 1, 1932, to Harold and Belva Wildman Hillmer in Geneseo, Ill. He graduated from Geneseo High School, excelling in track and field and winning the 1950 state championship high jump.

Continuing his track career with a scholarship to Michigan State University, he won All-American honors in 1955, placing sixth in the high jump at the NCAA meet and Olympic trials. He graduated in 1957 with a degree in forestry/wood technology. His interest in track and field led to a lifelong avocation as both official and coach.

On June 15, 1957, he married Germaine K. Holmes in Grand Rapids, Mich. They have lived in the Kettle Moraine area since 1960.

While devotion to his family took priority over all else, he loved working with youth through Boy Scouts and coaching girls track at Kettle Moraine High School. His other passions included springer spaniels, hunting, fishing, the Spartans and the Packers.

Don was a salesman and sales manager for the Borden Chemical Co., and later National Starch and Chemical, where he became a national accounts manager, retiring in 1999.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Germaine; sons, Todd (Lisa) and Scott; beloved grandchildren, Hansen and Lindsay, all of Delafield; sister, Phyllis (Stanley) Maxfield of Morrison, Ill.; and brother-inlaw, H. Spencer (Nancy) Holmes of Plymouth, Minn.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Ardith Nelson.

His positive impact on others was demonstrated by an incredible outpouring of love and support by his extended family and multitude of friends during his 19-day battle with pancreatic cancer.

A celebration of Don’s outstanding life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15, at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1600 N. Genesee St., Delafield. Visitation will start at noon and continue after the service.

Memorials are suggested to the KM Scholarship Foundation, 563 A.J. Allen Circle, Wales, WI 53183; or BSA Troop 20 Delafield, c/o the Hillmer family.
 
Yonke and Son Funeral Home, 691-1900, is serving the family.