Kenneth 'Ken' E. Hilligas

Kenneth E. Ken Hilligas 85 of Grand Island died Sunday, April 21, 2013 at his home. Services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 27, 2013, at Trinity United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Bob Call officiating. Burial will be in Grand Island Cemetery, Grand Island. Visitation hours will be 4-7 p.m., Friday, April 26, 2013 from Trinity United Methodist Church in Grand Island, with the family receiving friends from 5-7 p.m.. Memorials are suggested to Shriners Childrens Hospital, Grand Island Kiwanis Club or Hall County Historical Society. Apfel Funeral Home is caring for the family. Ken was born March 4, 1928 at Marquette, Nebraska the son of Fred Emmett & Laura Lena Belle (Holcomb) Hilligas. He grew up in Marquette where he received his education, graduating from Marquette High School. Ken met the love of his life, Ramona Sutton, after being set up on a blind date by two dear friends. They were united in marriage, June 3, 1951, in Grand Island and would have celebrated their 62nd anniversary this summer. Ken and Ramona made their home in Grand Island where they raised four children. Ken retired from Northwestern Public Service with over 40 years of loyal service as General Manager. He also co-owned Midwest Heating & Air Conditioning for over 50 years, proudly serving the greater Grand Island area. Most recently Ken was a diligent caregiver to his great love, Ramona. Ken began his deep passion of service to Grand Island and the community helping to promote the growth of the city and area businesses representing various entities with the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, Presidents Club and Industrial Foundation. He was also involved with the International Visitors group through the chamber. In 1980 Ken served as president of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce. Ken also was a member of the Grand Island Kiwanis Club and could boast a prefect attendance record for over 50 years. He also served multiple times as past president of the Grand Island Kiwanis Club. Ken also served on the Board of Directors of Goodwill Industries. His biggest passion as a Shriner was his job in working closely with the Shriners Childrens Hospital where he touched the lived of hundreds of children by facilitating life changing operations and therapies, bettering their lives with the best quality of Orthopedic care. One of his greatest gifts to the community was Kens strong belief in giving back to the community and he loved Grand Island. The Hall County Historical Society was another beneficiary of Kens collaborative efforts. The work of the society was instrumental in preserving many area landmarks such as, the Pine Street Station, the original Stolley home, and a memorial to the World War II Air Force pilots of the 6th Bomber Group. Kens philanthropic efforts are more far reaching than we may ever know. In Kens retirement years his love of horses turned into his avid hobby. He transition from corporate to cowboy was seamless; he traded a tie for boots and never looked back. He was an active member of the Hall County Sherriffs Posse and the Pine Ridge Riders. He continued to attend two organized trail rides each year and enjoyed being a true cowboy, even rounding up unruly buffalo. Despite becoming a cowboy, Ken didnt give up his love for a good round of golf. Retirement also gave him the opportunity to be involved in his grandchildrens various talents, and supporting their continued education and activities as well as sharing his love of his Cornhuskers team. Survivors include his wife, Ramona Rea Sutton Hilligas of Grand Island, two daughters and sons in law: Leigh Otto of Denver and Lisa & Scott Williams of Omaha, two sons and daughters in law: Craig & Lori Hilligas of Lincoln, Scott & Cori of Grand Island, 11 grandchildren: Aaron Hilligas, Kristen Heiser, Chris Otto, Sarah Hilligas, Bree Baatz, Tim Otto, Haley Hilligas, Ben Otto, Matt Hilligas, Mallory and Cara William, five great grandchildren, Lucas & Sebastian Hilligas, Nora Hilligas, Lincoln Heiser and Madison Otto, brother & sister in law, Lewis & Shirley Hilligas of Grand Island and a sister, Claudia Smith of South Lake, Texas. Ken was preceded in death by his parents: Fred & Laura Hilligas and an infant daughter, Christi.