John Lewis Hilker

John Lewis Hilker, Sr., 78, of Spring Grove, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 4, 2025, at the Pappus House in Thomasville. He was the devoted husband of Rose M. (Dubs) Hilker, with whom he shared 56 years of loving marriage.

Born on May 7, 1947, in Hanover, Pennsylvania, John was the son of the late Russell E. and Mary Louise (Wolfgang) Hilker. He was raised in Glenville, where he attended a one-room schoolhouse, an experience made even more special when his father purchased the building and transformed it into their family home. John graduated from South Western High School in the Class of 1966, the first class to attend the school continuously from ninth through twelfth grade.

A man of deep faith, John was a longtime and active member of Calvary Bible Church, where his relationship with God was central to his life. After high school, he met the love of his life, Rose, and they were married in 1969. Together, they built a home and raised a family rooted in love, hard work, and strong values.

John was employed for many years at P.H. Glatfelter, where he became a proud member of the Quarter Century Club before retiring in the early 2000s. Outside of work, he found joy in life's simple pleasures, gardening, picking blueberries, caring for the pool, and observing the natural world, especially praying mantises. He enjoyed hunting, long walks, and above all, spending cherished time with his children and grandchildren. Family meant everything to him, and he was happiest when surrounded by those he loved.

In addition to his wife, John is survived by his children: Angie Hilker of Thomasville, John L. Hilker, Jr. and wife Katie of Spring Grove, Kim O'Brien of Hanover, and Matthew D. Hilker of Spring Grove; his beloved grandchildren: Sam Hilker and Will Hilker of Spring Grove, and Keara O'Brien and Jack O'Brien of Hanover; his sisters: Nadine Diehl of York and Nancy Anderson of Dover; and a foster son he loved as his own, Michael Rife. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by two brothers, Tony Hilker and Edwin Hilker, and two sisters, Lucille Emig and Charlotte Stevens.

A service to celebrate John's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Calvary Bible Church, 603 Wilson Avenue, Hanover, PA, with Pastor Dominic Aquilino officiating. A time to share memories with the family will take place from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Burial will follow at Marburg Memorial Gardens in Hanover.

Pallbearers will be Matthew D. Hilker, John L. Hilker, Jr., Michael Rife, Jack O'Brien, Will Hilker, and Sam Hilker.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John's memory may be made to Pappus House, 66 Big Mount Road, Thomasville, PA 17364, or to Calvary Bible Church, 603 Wilson Avenue, Hanover, PA 17331.

To share memories of John Lewis Hilker, Sr. and to view a video tribute, please visit www.wetzelfuneralhome.com.