Vance Paul Hilbers

Vance Paul Hilbers was born December 3, 1954 in Fremont, Nebraska to Dean and Lois (Lewerenz) Hilbers. Vance grew up in both Omaha and Beatrice, Nebraska. He attended grade school at Westgate in Omaha, and went on to graduate from Beatrice High School in 1973. Following high school, Vance attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, graduating in 1977 with a degree in Architecture. As a young boy, Vance enjoyed fishing with his Grandpa Lewerenz, and caring for his many pets, which included fish, snakes, and his turtle, Herman. Vance married Kim Davis at the United Methodist Church in Nebraska City, Nebraska on May 26, 1979, and to this union, two children were born: Zachary Dean and Johanna Helen. The family’s home was always Omaha. Vance’s career in sales and facilities management has included employment with Sheppard’s Business Interiors, Con Agra, Commercial Federal, and Christensen Lumber Co. In addition to his career, Vance was involved in numerous professional groups and volunteer organizations. He established the Midland Chapter of the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA), serving as its 1st President. He was also an International Board member, serving as Chairman in 2000. Vance was involved with the Henry Doorly Zoo membership drive as a chairman, Junior Achievement of the Midlands as an advisor, and coached many of his children’s YMCA youth sports teams. Vance was a happy, loving, self-confident, goofy, yet detail oriented man. He was proudest of his two children, and cherished spending time with them, and attending their many sporting events. He loved camping, hiking, bicycling, and traveling. Vance saw his life not just as a glass half full, his glass was overflowing! His family will remember him as a very giving and happy person. Vance passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at home with his loving family, at the age of 57 years, 1 month, and 28 days. Vance is survived by his wife Kim of Omaha, son Zach of Omaha, and daughter Johanna of Campbell, California; his mother Lois Hilbers of Omaha, father Dean Hilbers of Burwell, Nebraska; sisters: Sheryl and husband Bill Koile of Valley, Nebraska, Robyn Hilbers of Plains, Kansas, and Candace and husband Dennis Klingemann of Omaha; nieces and nephews: Jodie and husband, Caleb Morgenson, Bill and wife Amanda Koile, Brenton, Tyler, and Kaitlin Klingemann; and great nieces and great nephew: Xiola Koile, Adeline Morgenson, Claire Koile, and Davis Koile. The family would like to sincerely thank everyone for their kindness and thoughtful expressions of love and comfort at a time when it is deeply needed and appreciated.

Vance Paul Hilbers

December 3, 1954 - February 1, 2012