Lyle H. Hillmer
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Lyle H. Hillmer, (97) passed away to be with Our Lord Jesus on September 25, 2017 at his Meadowlark Estates apartment in Lawrence, Kansas. He was born on August 13, 1920 in Mallard, Iowa to August and Rose Hillmer, the third of six children.
Lyle was a resident of Mason City, Iowa for 72 years and was a partner with a local accounting firm for 35 years. Lyle spent his youth in the Mallard, Iowa area helping with work on the farm. After high school graduation in 1938, he attended Hamilton Business School’s Executive Accounting Course in Mason City, Iowa. Lyle was drafted into the Army Air Corps in 1942, where he served during the war. Upon returning home in 1945, he briefly worked at the Mason City Portland Cement Company. Shortly after he began working for Frank Enbusk Company where he met his wife Doris Straube, whom he married in 1947. After working at the firm for 3 years he became a Certified Public Accountant and later became a partner in the firm. The Enbusk Company later merged with McGladrey and Associates where Lyle continued to work until he retired in 1982.
Lyle always had a great love for raising flowers. When people would stop by to admire his beautiful flower garden, he was more than happy to give them a tour. He was a Master Gardener and had a great wealth of knowledge about both flower and vegetable gardening that he enjoyed sharing with others. The Mason City Globe Gazette featured him upon several occasions for his gardening expertise. Upon retirement he took up the hobby of building model ships, completing eight ships of various sizes. Over several years, Lyle also wrote his memoirs, refinished furniture and focused on his longtime hobby of stamp collecting. Lyle was devoted to his faith and his church; he taught adult Sunday School for the majority of his life and also served on many committees at his church in Mason City. Lyle moved to Meadowlark Estates in July 2012 where he could be close to his family.
Lyle is survived by his three children: Steven (wife Barbara) of Lawrence, Kansas; Helen Graettinger (husband John) of Baldwin City, Kansas; and Christine Hensley (husband Craig, deceased) of The Woodlands, Texas; nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren; and his brother Ronald of Mallard, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris; and his three sisters Violet Keopsell, Gladys Shepard, and Rosella Gramstad and his brother Stanley. A memorial service will be held in the upcoming months at a time when family can attend.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Lyle’s name to the Salvation Army and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
We went to church with Lyle and Doris for years and enjoyed them so much! They were great role models for our children and always treated our children with respect and we were privileged to have known them and been able to share many good times with them at church! Ironically I drove past their beautiful home in Mason City today and thought of them. May your many wonderful memories comfort you at this difficult time! God Bless his memory and God Bless each of you!
We have missed Lyle since he moved and now grieve with you at his passing. However we also rejoice as he joins his Lord and Saviour! We have many fond memories of his wisdom and wit, his teachings and stewardship. We admired his talents that he so humbly shared. Peace to you.
Jerry and Jane Askeland
It was with deep sorrow that I read of Lyle’s passing. He has been such a part of my life since I was just a little girl. It saddens me even more to know that now only two of Dad’s partners are still alive — Bob Ingersol and Bill Seeger. All of these fine men meant so much to our family and Dad was so proud of them all and their families.
When I was a member of the Fair Board for several years, I used to see Lyle as he and members of the Master Gardeners set up their booth for the fair each year. What he could do with a garden and his flowers was simply amazing. Also, we had very special times in your beautiful home on Carolina. Doris was unbelievable in all the different things that she was interested in. Her Christmas cookies were made with such love and she always saw to it that the Enbusk’s received a big box of assorted treats, especially those that Mother enjoyed, each year. Sometimes there were also Pear preserves which was always a favorite of ours as well.
Both of your parents were people of very deep faith and they taught me as well, the value of a loving relationship with the Lord and the value of volunteering. They truly set a great example of what life’s most important things were about.
His memoirs…..were they ever published? Terry tried to look it up on the computer but to no avail. If it was done up in some form, we would love to share a copy with our family, Marguerite and Francis included. Please know that we will truly miss his gentle and kind ways and his loving smile. Our love and prayers are extended to all of you.
We were saddened to see of Lyle’s passing in the Globe. We are thinking of you and your family at this time. Lyle and Doris were such wonderful people. I have many good memories of them.