Richard E. Hilzer, 83, entered into rest at his home in Auburn, Wash., Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019. He was born Aug. 11, 1936, in Scottsbluff, Neb., and was the middle child and only boy to the late Henry and Irene Hilzer.
Rich grew up in Sunnyside, Wash., where he went to school and upon graduation he entered the United States Army. Upon his discharge, he went to work for Boeing, where he retired after 38 years. Upon retirement, Rich and Cathy built a home in Mossyrock Wash., overlooking the lake. Family and friends enjoyed many memorable gatherings and celebrations there over the years.
Rich and Cathy moved to Auburn this past year to be closer to family and health care facilities. He loved to hunt and fish and was an excellent cook. Rich loved a bargain and liked to shop, sometimes in excess. If one was good, then three had to be better.
He was a member of the Renton Fish and Game Club, lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and Washington State Arms Collectors.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Irene; and his older sister, Patricia Rambo.
He is survived by his wife, Cathy; sister, Sharon Minter; children, Cari Hilzer, Kelly (Jeff) Sinclair, Cory (Linda) Hilzer and Mike (Sue) Peterson; grandfather to Justin Sandberg, Nicole Hilzer, Rylee Sinclair, Cory Hilzer Jr. and Lydia Peterson; great-grandfather to Shayleen Hilzer, Hunter Sandberg and Dylan Gregory.
A private celebration of life will be held in Mossyrock, Wash., where he will forever rest in peace in a place he loved. We will always miss and love him, but know he is in a better place.
Remembrances may be donated to the American Stroke Association or Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.
