John Hiltner Jr, Bowling Green, passed away on Saturday March 9, 2019 after a brief illness. John was born January 25, 1933 in Waverly, Iowa to Frieda (Reinemund) and John Hiltner Sr. He was their only child, but was close with many of his cousins. He recounted many of the funny antics from his childhood with those cousins on a farm in Iowa.
John graduated from Waverly High School in 1950, University of Iowa (go Hawkeyes!) in 1954, and earned his PhD in Geography from Northwestern University in 1958. He came to BGSU in 1958 and stayed for his whole career. He retired Professor Emeritus. While at BGSU, he started the Gerontology program and became an expert in the field of aging and nursing home administration. After retirement, he was active with the Wood County Retired Teachers, BGSURA, and the Wood County Senior Center. He walked at the Community Center, including two miles on his 86th birthday.
John married Lois Reichert in Mansfield OH on November 26, 1959, which was Thanksgiving Day. During their 59 years together, they enjoyed traveling, raising their family, time with friends, volunteering, and their church life. St. Mark’s Lutheran became their home, with many fun times, service opportunities and deep friendships. John was a leader at St. Mark’s for many years, and also taught Sunday School, read scripture and served as an assisting minister. He was committed to Lutheran Outdoor Ministries in Ohio. In addition to being a camper at Camp Luther family camp, he served on the LOMO Board in the 90’s.
John and Lois’ children are: Martha (James) Woelke, John M (Ann), Gretchen (Todd) Martin, and Joel (Helena). His real source of joy was their 12 grandchildren: Sarah (Dan) Steck, Seth Woelke, Cameron, Emma, and Jack Hiltner, Elissa (Nathan) Manion, Rachel, Sam, Josh and Zach Martin, Emerson and Eliza Hiltner. He also loved his great grandson, Steven Manion, and was looking forward to seeing Steven’s little sister who is due in April. Some of his favorite memories were of long family weekends at Oglebay and the Hocking Hills.
In addition to his wife Lois and his immediate family, John is survived by cousins and by friends who are like family. Many of those friendships are with people he and Lois have known for more than 50 years.
John was able to spend some of his retirement time on longer trips with Joel. Together they visited Turkey (site of John’s graduate work), Tanzania (with their guide and friend Wellington Kamala), and France & England. John and Lois also spent time at Hilton Head Island, where they liked walking on the beach. They were season ticket-holders for BGSU men’s and women’s basketball teams and enjoyed cheering on the Falcons. His “real” team was the Iowa Hawkeyes. He frequently sported Hawkeye gear, and avidly followed their teams.
Visitation will be held Friday March 15, 2019 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green at 408 West Wooster St. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday March 16, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 315 S. College Dr. BG. Pastor Rob Spicer will officiate. Additional visitation will be held Saturday morning at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, LOMO (863 Eastwind Dr. Westerville, OH 43081), or BGSU Foundation for the John Hiltner Scholarship would be greatly appreciated.
To share an online condolence with the Hiltner family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
