Keith B. Hiller

Keith B. Hiller, 99, long-time resident of Louisa County, IA passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013 at Evergreen Hospice Center in Kirkland, WA.

Born June 1, 1914, in Jefferson Township, Louisa County, IA, he was the son of Laverne and Lillie (Korn) Hiller.  He graduated from Wapello High School in 1932.  On May 27, 1939 he married Martha Blankenhorn at her family’s farm in rural Columbus Junction, IA.

Mr. Hiller was born and raised on a farm and continued with his livelihood as a farmer in Louisa County until the late 1970’s.  He was a pioneer in implementing soil conservation techniques such as contour plowing, terracing and use of grass waterways.  He was especially proud of winning a state plowing contest early in his farming career.

He was a member of the Wapello United Methodist church since childhood and served on several church committees.  He was active in 4-H as a club member and club leader.  He received various 4-H recognitions including State of Iowa 4-H Alumni and the Hall of Fame awards.

He was instrumental in the creation and development of the Langwood 4-H Camp in Louisa County, which is now Langwood Education Center owned by the Louisa County Conservation Board.

He was a member of the Wapello Masonic Lodge #5.  In 2010, he received the 50-year Membership certificate from the Grand Lodge of Iowa.

He is survived by four children: Larry (Jan) of Pullman, WA; Shirley Eyres (Jim) of Franklin, IA; Sandra Lippincott (Denny) of Fairfield, IA; Steve (Leah) of Woodinville, WA; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-children; 1 great-great-grandchild; one sister, Kathryn Justice of Marion, IA; sister-in-laws, Mary Darlene Burgraff of Santa Rosa, CA and Frances Blankenhorn of Mesa, AZ; and many nieces and nephews.

His wife, three granddaughters, his parents, a brother, and sister preceded him in death.

A memorial service celebrating Keith’s life will be held on June 28, 2014 at the United Methodist Church in Wapello, IA

A Memorial Fund has been established which will benefit the Wapello United Methodist Church and Louisa County 4-H Clubs.  Please send your contribution to:  State Bank of Wapello  | ATTN:  Keith Hiller Memorial Fund |  306 N Second Street  |  Wapello, IA 52653.