Mark D. Hilker

Mark David Hilker, age 61, of Arapahoe, Nebraska passed away at his home on Thursday, June 20, 2024, in Arapahoe, Nebraska. He was born on April 18, 1963, at Cambridge, Nebraska to Gary G. and Mary Ellen (Pickering) Hilker.

Mark was baptized at St. Matthews Lutheran Church northeast of Holbrook, Nebraska and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Cambridge, Nebraska. He attended school at Holbrook Public School and graduated with the class of 1981. He went on to the University of Nebraska Lincoln to study Animal Science, graduating in 1985. While attending UNL, he was a member of the AgMen Fraternity.

On July 22, 1984, he was married to Janie Renee’ Hinz at St. John’s Lutheran Church, at Ash Creek, McCook, Nebraska. To this union three children were born: Lance David, Taran Evan, and Kallie Renee’.

In the spring of 1986, Mark & Janie moved back to Holbrook, Nebraska to farm. He joined his father Gary, on the family farm in the boot tip of Gosper County northwest of Holbrook. They formed Deer Creek Farms. Throughout the years while farming, Mark worked and helped Bud DeVries with silage, Merrill Stagemeyer with farm work, Lemoyne and Nick Niemeier with ringwork, Paul Crom with All in 1 Real Estate and has worked the last 13 years for Nebraska Department of Roads in Arapahoe. Mark’s true passion was his cattle and working on the farm with his family, helping there as often as necessary to help get things done.

Mark was a member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cambridge, Nebraska. His hobbies included cat fishing, hunting, cattlework, and his Border Collie and Hanging Tree cow dogs. He adored spending time with his family, especially his grandkids, and was eagerly looking forward to two new ones to spoil this fall. He always had time to talk and visit with anyone who would carry on a conversation. His chuckle, laugh, & loud sneezes could be heard over the loudest of crowds.

He was preceded in death by his father Gary, sister-in-law Helen Hinz, mother-in-law Melva Hinz, grandparents and many other friends.

Left to grieve are his wife: Janie Hilker of Arapahoe, Nebraska, sons: Lance & wife Amanda Hilker, grandchildren Huxley David and McKealy Lynn of Holbrook, Taran and wife Sadie Hilker and grandchildren Todd Everett of Holdrege; daughter Kallie Hilker of Kearney, Nebraska. Mother Mary Ellen Hilker of Fort Collins, Colorado, brothers Jerry and wife Laura Hilker of Corpus Christi, Texas; Gregg and wife Angie Hilker of Salem, Oregon, and sister Diana and husband Christopher Fields of Fort Collins, Colorado; Brother-In-law Rick Hinz of McCook, Nebraska and father-in-law Alvin Hinz of McCook, Nebraska. Nieces & Nephews: Shalene, Layten, Kennedy, Addison, Caden, Ty, Ryah, River, Piper, Owen, Emma, Elijah, Olivia, Eleanor. Loved and valued in his life were also: Matthew Bachelor, Austin Steer, Dallas Palmer & Kat Schick; and host of family and friends.