John Walter Hillmer, whose 41-year career at The Freeman saw him go from the press room to the board room, died Wednesday, Sept. 23. He was 91.
Hillmer was born April 22, 1929, in Little Falls, Minn., to John Fredrick and Mildred (Hamann) Hillmer. After graduating from Austin High School, he attended Austin Junior College and Iowa State University.
He married Beverly Jane Beadell on June 16, 1950, at First Baptist Church in Austin, Minn. Together they had four children, 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
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Hillmer in 1950 also started his career at The Freeman, taking a position as a composing room printer. He remained with the newspaper for 41 years, going on to serve as composing room foreman, business manager, and general manager of the newspaper. Hillmer also served on the board of directors and was named president of the board in 1977.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Oct. 2, at Waukesha Bible Church, S53 W24079 Glendale Road. Visitation will begin at 4 p.m., with a memorial service to follow at 6 p.m. For the health and safety of all attending, the family requests that masks be worn and social distancing be observed.
