Ron Hilker

Harold Ronald "Ron" Hilker, 80, of Idaho Falls, passed away Jan. 31, 2017.

Ron was born in Ida Grove, Iowa, to Harold Bernard Hilker and Gwendolyn Iris Hilker. While his father served in the Navy, his family also lived in California and Japan until they settled in Idaho Falls during his high school years.

Ron had a sister, Gaye LaJean Hilker, who passed away in 2008, and a brother, Mike Hilker, who lives in Rigby with his wife, Ginger. Ron married Bonnie Lou Whitmill in 1956. They raised two sons, Brad, who lives in Grant, and Greg, who lives in Salt Lake City.

Ron is also survived by his two grandchildren, Emily and Jackson.

Ron earned a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Idaho. He then served in the Air Force, stationed in Canada and Louisiana. Later, he earned an MBA while pursuing his career in the nuclear industry.

His family enjoyed a great life together, exploring Idaho and much of the West. Ron was an accomplished outdoorsman who instilled a love and respect for the natural world in his sons.

Ron and Bonnie enjoyed many wonderful retirement years, traveling to the Oregon coast, square dancing, gardening and spending time with family and friends. Ron was an ardent fly fisherman and enjoyed fishing most of the great rivers of the West. He was particularly fond of the South Fork of the Snake River.

A memorial service for Ron will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Trinity United Methodist Church.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations could be made to Public Radio.

Arrangements under the direction of Buck-Miller-Hann Funeral Home in Idaho Falls.