Bernard A. Hillerman

Bernard A. "Bernie" Hillerman, 93, Washington, passed away Monday, May 6, 2024.

Bernie was born Nov. 13, 1930, in Germantown, to Henry Hillerman and wife Frances, nee Whitman. He received his education in Montrose and graduated from Montrose High School in 1948. He joined the U.S. Army in Jan. 1952 and proudly served his country during the Korean War. Bernie attained the rank of corporal and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in Oct. 1953.

Bernie was united in marriage to Eileen B. Schlitt on Oct. 11, 1958, at St. Gertrude Catholic Church in Krakow. The couple made their home in Krakow and moved to Washington in 2004. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Judy and Debbie.

Bernie enjoyed a successful career at McDonnell-Douglas in St. Louis, where he worked as a machinist. He was actively involved in his community for many years as a member of Knights of Columbus Msgr. Westhoff Council 16213 in Krakow, VFW Post 2661 in Washington, and the Korean War Veterans Association MO Chapter #324. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Gertrude Catholic Church in Krakow.

Bernie enjoyed a variety of hobbies and interests throughout his life. He enjoyed volunteering at his church, where he helped with barbecues and church dinners, traveling with family and going on bus trips with friends, playing washers in the Silver Games, and admiring classic cars. In later years, Bernie enjoyed spending time with his friends at The Homestead at Hickory View Retirement Community. Bernie loved his family dearly and enjoyed the many opportunities he was blessed with to spend life's special moments with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He held a special place in his heart for children, who always brought a smile to his face.

He is survived by two daughters, Judy Searcy and husband Fred, and Debbie Schroeder and husband Paul, all of Washington; six grandchildren, Dustin Searcy (Rebecca), Dr. Garrett Searcy (Jill), Alec Searcy (Melissa), Andrea Klein (Ryan), Hannah Byrne (Austin), and Austin Schroeder (Morgan); 10 great-grandchildren, Julia, Payton, and Emmitt Searcy, Clark, Pearl, and Hazel Searcy, Leo Searcy, Ada and Oliver Klein, and Nora Byrne; one brother, Ray Hillerman and wife Jonell, Washington; six sisters-in-law, Irene Hillerman, Washington, JoAnn Hillerman, Columbia, Marcie Frankenberg, Marilyn Boehm, Rita Wilson and husband Chuck, all of Washington, and Dottie Baker and husband Chuck, Brookfield, Wisconsin; brother-in-law, Ken Schlitt and wife Pat, Union; nieces; nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

Bernie was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Eileen B. Hillerman; his parents, Henry and Frances Hillerman; his siblings, Clarence Hillerman and wife Marcella, Paul Hillerman, Liola Gildehaus and husband George, Rosina Ball and husband P.M., Esther Jasper and husband Harold, Virgil Hillerman, and Charlie Hillerman; and two brothers-in-law, James Frankenberg and Tom Boehm.

A funeral Mass was celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11, at St. Gertrude Catholic Church, Krakow, with the Rev. James Holbrook officiating.

Burial with full military honors followed at the church cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Gertrude Endowment Fund or the June Jessee Memorial Foundation.

The Hillerman family was served by Oltmann Funeral Home, Washington.