Norbert Christopher Hilke, 98, of Raleigh, North Carolina, died Monday, January 6 at Rex Hospital in Raleigh. He was born June 5, 1915 in St. Louis, Missouri to Henry F. Hilke and Anna C. Wieser. He married first to Marcella Mueller on February 11, 1942 in St. Louis. After Marcella’s death in 1995, he married Ruth Johnston Palm in 1999. Ruth died in 2004.

Norbert started working for Hill-Behan Lumber Co. when he was 14, remaining with them for 55 years where he was yard superintendent for 40 years until he retired in 1984. During his life, he was an active member of the Catholic Knights of America and the St. Vincent De Paul Society. After retirement he enjoyed playing cards and bingo, traveling, and delivering Meals on Wheels. He was a simple man of simple taste and fervent Catholic faith.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Anna, and his siblings: Jack Hilke, Clara Geisz, Rev. Al Hilke, Wilma Saali, and Leo Hilke.

He is survived by two sons, James L. (Ann) of Raleigh, NC and Dennis J. (Cindy) of Fremont, California; one step-daughter Sheri (Ray) Smith; three grandchildren Christine (Leif) Emerson of Canton, Georgia, Catherine Hilke of Annandale, Virginia, and Alex Hilke of Fremont, California; and one great-grandson, Robert James Emerson of Canton, Georgia.

A Funeral Mass will be held January 10, 2014 at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church at 11:00am. A reception will follow the funeral mass at the church. In lieu of flowers, family request memorials be made to Caregivers of St. Francis of Assisi Community; 11401 Leesville Rd. Raleigh, NC 27613. Condolences rfhr.com