Delvin A. Hilkemeier, 68, of Prescott, AZ, passed away in his sleep in the early morning hours of Monday, March 25, 2013 at home.

Del was cremated and a memorial service will be Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. Father Christopher Hughes will officiate. Cremains burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery with military rites. A time for lunch and fellowship will follow at St. Bernard's hall. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

He was born in Redfield in 1944 to Alfred and Olivia Hilkemeier and graduated from Redfield High School in 1962. He graduated from SDSU in 1967 and proudly served in the Air Force, from 1968-1972, achieving the rank of Captain.

His working career took several different forms as he was a multi-talented man. He worked almost 25 years in the title insurance industry in the Seattle area then 15 years as co-owner of a manufacturing company. Upon retirement, he found plenty of time for fishing, camping and gardening among other hobbies. He and his wife Virginia moved from Washington State to the high mountain desert of Arizona in 2007, where they welcomed the 300 days of sunshine a year the area provides. His favorite place though, was at his "fishing shack" on Lake Oahe, where he and Virginia enjoyed every waking moment with family and friends.

Del and Virginia celebrated 29 wonderful years of marriage on March 20, telling Virginia, "I'd do it all over again with you."

He leaves behind his best friend and wife Virginia; his sisters: Marlys (Ron) Esser, Redfield; and Donna (Ray) Bowar, Hastings, MN; two children from a prior marriage: Sara (Tommy) Minium in Alaska, and Robert (Lesley) Hilkemeier in Washington; and grandchildren Drayson, Ava and Olivia, whom he adored from afar. He also was a proud uncle to many nieces and nephews, including Jay (Deb) Esser and Darin (Kristin) Esser and their children.