John P. Hilber

John Patrick Hilber, age 58, from Evansdale, Iowa, died June 8, 2018, following a courageous battle with cancer. Now that his earthly purpose is fulfilled, he will be rejoining those who anxiously await him in the eternal home Jesus promised to all who loved and served him faithfully. He was born April 6, 1960, in Marathon, Wisconsin, the youngest child of Arthur and Evelyn (Hall) Hilber. Together since 1999, John married Larry Pontius on July 18, 2015. John attended Marathon High School and graduated from Viterbo University with a Major in Theatre. From, "Oliver" in high school to "The Little Shop of Horrors", the production he was involved with when he was diagnosed with cancer, John loved being a part of musicals and theatre. At the time of his death, John had been employed as a store manager at Arby's. Previous employments were with the Chileda School in LaCrosse and with APAC. John loved his family, friends, music, theatre, cooking and life. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed. He is survived by his husband, Larry, his sisters, Lois, (Jerry) Koppa, Beth (Tom) Sommer and Mary (Ron) Wilichowski, his sister-in-law, Chris (Tony) Shebenik, his brother, Carl (Jill) Hilber, his father-in-law, James Pontius, brothers-in-law, Gary (Denise) Pontius and Michael Pontius, 17 nieces and nephews and his former wife, Sue Steiner-Hilber. Preceding John in death, were, his parents, a brother, David Hilber, a niece, Julie Allmann and his mother-in-law, Cheryl Pontius. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday June 13, 2018 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 700 Market Street, Marathon. Visitation will continue Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. A Memorial Service in celebration of his life will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday July 21, 2018 at the Waterloo Community Playhouse, Waterloo, Iowa. Friends may call on July 21 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Memorial Service. John's family would like to thank all the wonderful caregivers at Covenant Cancer Treatment Center and the Cedar Valley Hospice for their compassion and excellent care given to him. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com