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Raymond Hildreth

December 25, 1932 - October 25, 2023

Raymond D. Hildreth was born on December 25, 1932, and passed peacefully on October 25, 2023.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 3, 2023, at Memorial Services of Iowa (4208 N. Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA). A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Salem United Church of Christ (320 NE 141^st Ave, Alleman, IA) with a private family burial following at Ankeny Memorial Gardens.

Raymond married his life-long sweetheart, Karen Hutzell, on August 21, 1955. They raised their family on farms in the Alleman-Ankeny area. Raymond mainly grew corn and soybeans, but took pride in raising grand champion quality beef. During his early years in farming, he worked as a welder at AMF and Brady Manufacturing.

Raymond found great joy in attending his children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s birthdays, school, and sporting events. He was a supporter of the local 4-H and FFA organizations, the Albaugh-McGovern Legion of Ankeny, Farm Bureau, Polk County Cattlemen’s Association, and Salem United Church of Christ of Alleman. In September of 2014, he participated in the Korean War Veteran Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

For many years, Raymond could be found reminiscing and laughing about the “good old days” with his coffee buddies at Burger King and McDonald’s in Ankeny. On several occasions, he joined his Ankeny graduating class members for lunch.

Raymond is survived by his wife of 68 years, Karen; his children, Tracey (Rosemary) Hildreth, Bryan Hildreth, Tammara (Mike) Torode, and Melissa (Kyle) Craighton; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister, Marilyn (Brad) Gustafson; brother, Richard Hildreth; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In death, he rejoins parents, Ora and Velma Hildreth; stillborn daughter, Kimberly; and nephews, Shane and KC Finch.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Bridges of Ankeny and Suncrest Hospice for their exceptional, professional care and compassion for Raymond.

Memorial contributions may be made to Salem United Church of Christ or The Bridges of Ankeny.