Obituaries : Clarence Daniel Hilner

Clarence Daniel Hilner, 88, of Geneseo, Ill., formerly of Vinton, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015, at Good Samaritan Village, Geneseo. Per his request, cremation rites have been accorded and a memorial service will be at a later date in Vinton. Vandemore Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Geneseo is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be left to the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight or the Vinton Presbyterian Church. Clarence was born Aug. 29, 1926, in Lawrence, Kan., the son of William and Frances (Coker) Hilner. He proudly served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. Clarence was united in marriage to Beverly J. Bowser on Dec. 4, 1955, in Lawrence. He worked as a machine operator at B.L. Anderson in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and later as a welder at Hawk Bilt in Vinton. Clarence was a 50-year member of Vinton Presbyterian Church in Vinton. He was a collector of trivets and SAD Irons, a hobby which introduced him to new friends all over the world. He was a member of the Midwest SAD Irons Collectors Club. His greatest joy was his family. Survivors include his wife, Beverly; sons, LeRoy (Mary) Hilner of Many, La., and Bruce (Janet) Hilner of Paola, Kan.; daughters, Wanda (Dan) Holtz of Geneseo, Ill., and Kay Harrison of Manchester, Mo.; 10 grandchildren; several great-grand-children; and a brother, Gene Hopkins of McLouth, Kan. Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister. Share a message of sympathy with Clarence's family at www.vandemore funeralhome.com.