Rudy A Hilst

Born January 27, 1944 in Pekin to Ivan and Alma May (Lussenhop) Hilst, he married Ruth Nehmelman on August 5, 1967 in Manito.  She survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Robyn (Gary) Walker of Bloomington; one son, Rusty Hilst of Green Valley; three grandchildren; one sister, Diana (Eugene) James of San Jose; his father and mother-in-law, Adolph and Etta Nehmelman, Jr. of Green Valley; and one brother-in-law, Eldred (Terri) Nehmelman of Green Valley.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Mark Hilst; and one sister-in-law, Suzie Hilst.

Rudy served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era.

He worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 45 years, retiring in 2007, where he had been a member of UAW Local #974.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather and Christian, Rudy loved playing with his grandchildren.  He was also a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan.

He was lifelong member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in rural Manito.

His funeral service will be at noon Friday, October 11, 2013 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in rural Manito.  The Rev. Eugene Haug will officiate.  There will be no visitation.  Burial will be in Green Valley Cemetery.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 21819 CR 3300E, Manito, IL 61546.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com