Ralph Hilts

RALPH W. HILTS Jr., 89, of Central Lake, died on Sunday, May 4, 2008 at Charlevoix Area Hospital. Ralph was born on July 5, 1918 in Hersey, Michigan, the son of Ralph Sr. and Grace (DeVries) Hilts. Ralph and his late wife Mildred owned and operated the East Jordan Cleaners from 1953 until 1976 when he moved to Central Lake. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, bird watching, and tinkering in his garage. On Jan. 11, 1940 in Good Harbor, Michigan he married Mildred Hohnke who preceded him in death in 1997. Also preceding him in death were a son Ronald Hilts in 2006, a brother Lee Hilts, and his parents. Surviving are a daughter Donna (Jerry) McClean of Brockton, NY., daughter-in-law Linda Hilts of Central Lake, a sister Gracie (Gary) King of Eaton Rapids, 3 grandsons, Brian McClean of New York, Darryl (Pam) McClean of Michigan, Allen (Sunshine) McClean of North Carolina, 2 granddaughters, Katherine (Don) Barnes of Central Lake and Vicki Hilts also of Central Lake and 6 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held on Tues., May 6, 2008 at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Rev. James Jordan officiated. Interment was in Southern Cemetery in Central Lake. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Lake Fire and Rescue. Please sign our online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.