HILEMAN – Robert Paul Hileman age 83 of Grand Rapids formerly of Saranac and Rockford passed away January 1 2009. He was preceded in death by his son Robert David and wife of 57 years Virginia. He is survived by his children Lou Ann Hileman Andrakowicz and Gary (Mary) Hileman; grandchildren Bradley (Lea) Hileman Kristen (John) Kopick and four great-grandchildren. Robert served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946 as a First Class Gunners Mate. In 1947 he became a sheet metal journeyman with J. Klanderman for 15 years and retired from Franklin Holwerda after 25 years in 1987. He was one of the very best Tin Knockers in the Grand Rapids area. During his tenure of 40 years he nurtured and trained many other top notch sheet metal workers. Bob was a dedicated and loving husband father brother and grandfather. He enjoyed deer hunting fishing snowmobiling babysitting the grandchildren and pets. During retirement in Punta Gorda Florida and Saranac Michigan he enjoyed walking gardening cooking reading and Builder Bob projects for family and friends. Bob spent his last 9 years at Porter Hills Retirement Village on Fulton Street after a stroke in 1999. He will dearly be missed by all the lives he touched. We thank all of the Earth Angels at Porter Hills who loved and cared for Robert. Family will receive visitors at OBrien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel 3980 Cascade Rd. SE January 10 2009 from 9:00-11:00 AM. Funeral services will follow at with Rev. R. Louis Stasker of St. Robert of Newminster Church officiating. Interment Blythefield Memory Gardens. A reception will follow from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Garys home 4667 Little Harbor Dr. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Porter Hills Retirement Benevolent Fund 3600 E. Fulton Grand Rapids MI 49546.
