In Memory of Carolyn A. Hilker

Carolyn A. Hilker, age 75, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, December 25, 2018.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 5, 2019, at the St. John’s Lutheran Church of Battle Creek, Iowa. Reverend Randy D. Cormeny will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Ida Grove Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa. A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, January 4, 2019, at the St. John’s Lutheran Church of Battle Creek, Iowa. The Christensen -Van Houten Funeral Home of Battle Creek & Ida Grove, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Carolyn A. (Burk) Hilker, the daughter of Roy and Malinda (Jepsen) Burk was born January 23, 1943, in Ida Grove, Iowa. She grew up on a farm south of Ida Grove until the divorce of her parents. Her mother, two sisters, and herself then moved to town in Ida Grove. While receiving her education in the Ida Grove school system she could be found babysitting, folding newspapers for The Reminder, and working at The King Theater. After graduating in 1961, she worked for Iowa Public Service in Ida Grove.

On December 3, 1961, Carolyn married the love of her life and best friend Jim Hilker. The couple made their home on the family farm for over 57 years and were blessed with three children: Kenny, Kaye, and Karen. While raising their children, Carolyn helped on the family farm and in her mother-in-law’s business, The Rainbow Ceramic Shoppe. During this time, she was a member of the Battle Creek Jaycettes for a while and was also a Girl Scout leader and Sunday school teacher. Once their children were grown Carolyn worked at John’s Super Value, Family Drug, and Sealed With A Kid all in Ida Grove.

Carolyn was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church for many years until transferring to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Battle Creek, IA where she was an active member. She belonged to Martha’s Circle serving as the secretary for several years. Carolyn loved to decorate for the holidays and other special occasions, always making them memorable for her family and friends. She loved to draw, dance, travel, shop, and sit at the table watching the birds, squirrels, and deer. She cherished every moment with her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren always making sure to spoil them.

Left to cherish her memory include her loving husband of over 57 years Jim Hilker of Ida Grove, IA; son Kenny Hilker of Ida Grove, IA and his two children Nicole Hilker (significant other Darek Boysen) of Battle Creek, IA and Staff Sergeant Cory Hilker of Hill Air Force Base, Utah; daughter Kaye (Vernon) Volkmann of Battle Creek, IA and their two children Tiffany VanSickler (significant other Kevin Muckey) of Sioux City, IA and Cody (Sara) Volkmann of Polk City, IA; daughter Karen (Van) Ryen and their two children Trever Ryen (fiancé Bailie Kies) and Shae Ryen all of Ida Grove, IA; five great-grandchildren: Marley, Brynley, Tonie, Iroh, and Anna; sister Lois Wendell of Ida Grove, IA; brother-in-law Raymond Nepper of Ida Grove, IA; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Roy Burk and Malinda Burk; in-laws Ralph and LaVera Hilker, brother LeRoy Burk; sister Diane Nepper; sister-in-law Lila Burk; and nephew Bruce Burk.