Paul C. Hilmers

EVANSTON, Ill. — Paul C. Hilmers born in Davenport, Iowa, November 5, 1924, to Carl T. and Hattie G. Hilmers. He passed away February 1, 2010, in Evanston, Illinois, where he'd been living since October of 2009.He had one sister, the late Carolyn Ruggeberg and two children, Virginia (Jack) Hotaling of Glenview, Illinois, and David (Angela) Hilmers of Houston, Texas. His family also included four grandsons, Christopher (Keri) of Evanston, Illinois, Robert Hotaling of Chicago, Illinois, Matthew Hilmers of Houston and Dan (Amy) Hilmers of Minsk, Belarus; and three great-grandchildren, Ian Hilmers, Jackson Hotaling and Finley Hotaling.Paul was co-owner of Hilmers' Greenhouses with his mother until 1973. The business was started by his father in the 1920s. Following the accidental death of his father at the age of 13, he assumed increasing responsibility for the maintenance of the greenhouses. During World War II, he enlisted in the Army and served in the military police in France, guarding German prisoners. Following the war, he returned to work in the greenhouses and made numerous innovative improvements to their structure.He was a member of the Lions Club, the DeWitt Chamber of Commerce, Springbrook and was a Mason and a Shriner. In the 1950s, he was a member of DeWitt's Recreation Commission and was instrumental in the building of DeWitt's swimming pool. A skilled handyman, he volunteered his time and talents to perform maintenance on the swimming pool for many summers. He was a co-developer of Town Center apartments.He attended the University of Wyoming and Clinton Community College. He was a life long learner and avid reader who enjoyed staying involved in current events. Paul lived in De Witt until 1981 when he moved to Clinton. He was Clinton County assessor from 1973 - 2002. Following his retirement he volunteered as a greeter at the court house until 2008. Throughout his life he was a devoted father who felt that there was no sacrifice too great if it could improve the lives of his children.Arrangements are pending.Memorials may be made to Planned Parenthood, 2751 Tech Drive, Bettendorf, IA 52722 or Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022.