Fred Hilke

Fred Sylvester Hilke, 76, of Argyle, departed this life Tuesday, April 6, 2010, in St. Mary's Health Center, Jefferson City, following a brief illness. Fred was born March 11, 1934, a son of Joseph and Martha Sophie (Eichholz) Hilke. Mr. Hilke was united in marriage on June 9, 1956, at Jefferson City, to the former Miss Theresa Josephine Distler and to this union five children were born. He was preceded in death by his father: on January 25, 1971; his mother: on May 20, 1977; five brothers: Leo Hilke, an infant brother, Conrad Hilke, Bernard Hilke, and Joe Hilke; and three brothers-in-law: Eugene Gremaud, Henry Muckensturn, and Clarence Bax. He was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Argyle. He was a member of the Argyle Knights of Columbus Council No. 2047 serving as the Grand Knight in the 3rd Degree along with holding many other positions. He was also a 4th Degree member of the St. Jude Assembly and had served as the Faithful Navigator in the 4th Degree. He was a member of the Farm Bureau. He was a Knights of Columbus Insurance Agent for 20 years retiring in 2001, an employee of Midwest Block and Brick Company, Jefferson City as a truck driver for 19 years, as well as being a lifelong farmer in Osage County. He enjoyed playing cards, collecting John Deere memorabilia and visiting with friends and neighbors. Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Hilke include his wife: Theresa of the home near Argyle; three sons: David Hilke and wife Renee, Donald Hilke and wife Debbie, all of Jefferson City, and Doug Hilke of Argyle and friend Robin Stokes of St. James; two daughters: Debra Rowe and husband Larry of Meta; and Diane Luebbering and husband Tim of Wardsville; one brother: Urban Hilke and wife Wanda of Independence; six sisters: Marie Gremaud of St. Louis, Rita Kampeter and husband Lawrence of Argyle; Florentine Muckensturn of St. Louis; Ermalinda Schwartze and husband Albert of Argyle; Virginia Bax of St. Louis; and Martha Jane Meldrem and husband Jack of Wardsville; eight grandchildren: Stephanie Hilke, Cynthia Hilke, Alex Hilke, Brent Rowe, Trisha Rowe, Mandi Luebbering, Grant Luebbering and Paige Luebbering; and many other relatives and friends. Visitation will be 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. today in the St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Argyle, with a Knights of Columbus Rosary service starting at 7:30 p.m. followed by a prayer service lead by Msgr. Marion Makarewicz. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 9, in the St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Argyle, with Msgr. Marion Makarewicz celebrating. Interment will be in the St. Aloysius Cemetery, Argyle, under the direction of the Vienna Chapel of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Homes. Spiritual offerings to be applied for Masses or memorial contributions to the Argyle Knight of Columbus Council No. 2047, with envelopes available at the church or the Vienna Office of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Homes