William E. Hilty

William E. Hilty, 72, of Berne passed away at 4:32 p.m. on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at Parkview Regional Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born on December 23, 1945 in Adams County to Pete and Elizabeth (Hostetler) Hilty. He was married on April 10, 1980 in LaGrange County to Ida M. Gingerich.

He was an auctioneer and owner of Hilty's Dry Goods in Berne for many years. He was a member of the Old Order Amish.

He is survived by his wife of Berne; son, Phillip I. (Carolyn) Hilty of Berne; two grandchildren, Karissa Hilty; and Karsten Hilty, both of Berne; two brothers, Amos (Maggie) Hilty of Bluffton; and Joni (Emma) Hilty of Geneva; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Becky I. Hilty, six sisters, Lydia Schwartz; Anna Schwartz; Mary Schwartz; Emma Hilty; Emma Wickey; and Frannie Schwartz; and six brothers, Elma Schwartz; Joe Hilty; Levi Hilty; Dan Hilty; Menno Hilty; and Toby Swartzentruber.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 4 and from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 5 at his residence, 2401S US 27, Berne. Funeral services will be at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 6 at the John Hilty residence, 1878S US 27, Monroe. Officiating will be Bishop Eli Hilty with Amish undertakers Henry Eicher and Jake Schwartz. Burial will be at the Schwartz Cemetery in Berne.  

Arrangements provided by Downing & Glancy Funeral Home in Geneva.