Susan M. "Sue" Hilmes

Visitation Dates and Times
Saturday, February 22, 2025 starting at 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Visitation Location
Celebration of Life
Kutis Funeral Home
5255 Lemay Ferry Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63129
Full Obituary
Susan M. "Sue" Hilmes, age 59, of Breese and formerly of St. Louis County, MO, passed away Sunday, February 16, 2025. She was born February 1, 1966, in St. Louis, MO, a daughter of Jean, nee Mers, Kuelker and the late William Kuelker.
In addition to her father William Kuelker, Sue was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lawrence and Henrietta, nee Richter, Hilmes; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Linda Kuelker, Joyce (Larry) Pollmann, and Gary Hilmes.
Sue is survived by her mother, Jean Kuelker of St. Louis, MO; husband, Steven Hilmes of Breese whom she married July 18, 1986, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church in Belleville; children, Lauren Hilmes of Bowling Green, KY, Jacob (Sarah) Hilmes of Chattanooga, TN, Emily (James) Kinder of Middleburg, FL, and Riley Hilmes of Breese; grandchildren, Brynn, Gabriel, Dax, Jovi, Reign, Jagger, Zoey, Joseph, and Athena; siblings, William Kuelker, Richard (Sharon) Kuelker, John Kuelker, Ronald (Vickie) Kuelker, Jean Kuelker Nickels, Cindy Fercking, Pamela (Chris) Eckstein, Robert Kuelker, and her twin sister Sandra (Michael) Clifton; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Judy (Don) Schniers, Tom Hilmes, and Angie (Mike) Kutka; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Sue graduated from St. Anthony High School in South County, St. Louis, MO, in 1984 and continued her education at a community college. After she and Steve married and began their family, her most cherished role was that of a devoted mother, dedicating her time and love to raising her children. As her children grew older, she later worked for the PBS Network before transitioning as a producer for WTVC-TV Channel 9 in Chattanooga, TN.
Sue's life was filled with passion and enthusiasm, particularly for sports. She was an avid athlete, participating in the Senior Olympics for volleyball and developing a deep love for pickleball. She was a true sports fanatic, finding joy in both watching and playing games. Sue's dedication extended beyond her own participation-she was a devoted coach and mentor to her children's sports teams, always actively involved in their group activities and cheering them on from the sidelines. Above all, Sue treasured the time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.
A Celebration of Sue's Life will be Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Kutis Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd., St. Louis, MO 63129 from 2:00-5:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the St. Louis Cancer and Breast Institute and will be received at the Celebration of Life or by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th St. Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family locally.