Glenda Irene Hilken

Glenda was born in Kentfield, CA on February 8th, 1944 to Glen and Bernice Grage. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Manilla, IA. She graduated from Manilla School in 1962. She went on to become an x-ray technician at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. On July 5th, 1964, Glenda married Ray Hilken. Glenda and Ray became members of the Mt Olive Lutheran Church where Glenda was active in bible study, Couples Club, and helped with hot lunches for the day-school students. She also enjoyed the quilting group, which was originally formed to donate quilts to the Lutheran World Relief and then later for the under-privileged in Des Moines. Glenda effectively supported and mentored countless individuals through her passionate support of those suffering from alcoholism and was very involved in her recovery community. Glenda was the navigator (before GPS) for the numerous road trips Glenda and Ray took, driving through all 49 states, a majority of Canada, and cruising to Hawaii. On these journeys, Glenda extensively journaled and was an avid collector of shells, pinecones, postcards, magnets, bumper stickers, and memories. She enjoyed the journey, taking in sites of the country and often visiting family along the way. Glenda took pride in attending the many events in which her sons took part, which included football, baseball, basketball games, band concerts, and soccer games. She affectionately became known as GiGi by family and friends when grandchildren were born since Grandma Glenda seemed like a mouth-full. She is survived by her husband Raymond “Ray”; her children Dennis “Pastor D” (Judy) Hilken of Bakersfield, CA. Robert “Rob” (MC) Hilken of Denver, CO; Dale Hilken (Wendy Steve) of Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren Colby, Christopher, and Chandler Hilken, Dalton and Teagan Groff, and great grandchildren Harper and Peyton. She was preceded in death by her parents.