Dr. Robert Tolan Hilker, 92, of Owatonna, died on Sunday, July 14, 2024 at Lakeshore Nursing Home in Waseca.

He was born May 10, 1932 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Ross and Ethel (Swan) Hilker. Robert attended high school in Washington D.C and later attended the University of Minnesota Medical School. He was united in marriage to Kathleen "Dee Dee" Tollefson on June 22, 1957 in L'Anse, MI. They moved to Duluth where Dr. Hilker completed his residency before moving to Owatonna to begin his practice in 1960. Dr. Hilker was fiercely devoted to Jesus and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he held various positions through the years. He taught himself Hebrew and Greek and was delighted to bless people with the Aaronic blessing in Hebrew. He was a part of the men's Bible study group at Trinity and the dinner club with friends. He volunteered at the Steele County Historical Center and enjoyed spending time at the Owatonna Art Center where he became proficient in stained glass, pottery, and calligraphy. Robert and Dee Dee served on mission trips in Germany, Haiti and the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Robert enjoyed the mountains and even climbed the Grand Teton and was also an accomplished pianist. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughters Rebecca (Randy) Johnson of Plymouth, Pamela (Blake) Witte of Eden Prairie, and Michelle (Jon) Ingvaldson of Owatonna; grandchildren Lindsey Johnson (Scott Werley), Andrew Johnson, Cayla (Kevin) Carr, Blake Kyle Witte, Logan Witte, Amanda (Eric) Hansen and Nicole (Josh) Zeman; great-grandchildren Taitym, Zoey, Rylinn, Layne, Luke, and Riley.

He was preceded in death by his wife Kathleen "Dee Dee" Hilker; parents, Ross and Ethel Hilker; and brother Gerald Hilker.

Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Friday, September 13, 2024 from 4PM to 7PM. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 11AM at Trinity Lutheran Church with a visitation starting one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Owatonna. Memorials are preferred to Table for All at Trinity Lutheran Church, or Samaritans Purse.