Susan M. “Sue” Hilmes, age 59, of Breese and formerly of St. Louis County, MO, passed away Sunday, February 16, 2025. She was born February 1, 1966, in St. Louis, MO, a daughter of Jean, nee Mers, Kuelker and the late William Kuelker.
In addition to her father William Kuelker, Sue was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lawrence and Henrietta, nee Richter, Hilmes; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Linda Kuelker, Joyce (Larry) Pollmann, and Gary Hilmes.
Sue is survived by her mother, Jean Kuelker of St. Louis, MO; husband, Steven Hilmes of Breese whom she married July 18, 1986, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church in Belleville; children, Lauren Hilmes of Bowling Green, KY, Jacob (Sarah) Hilmes of Chattanooga, TN, Emily (James) Kinder of Middleburg, FL, and Riley Hilmes of Breese; grandchildren, Brynn, Gabriel, Dax, Jovi, Reign, Jagger, Zoey, Joseph, and Athena; siblings, William Kuelker, Richard (Sharon) Kuelker, John Kuelker, Ronald (Vickie) Kuelker, Jean Kuelker Nickels, Cindy Fercking, Pamela (Chris) Eckstein, Robert Kuelker, and her twin sister Sandra (Michael) Clifton; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Judy (Don) Schniers, Tom Hilmes, and Angie (Mike) Kutka; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Sue graduated from St. Anthony High School in South County, St. Louis, MO, in 1984 and continued her education at a community college. After she and Steve married and began their family, her most cherished role was that of a devoted mother, dedicating her time and love to raising her children. As her children grew older, she later worked for the PBS Network before transitioning as a producer for WTVC-TV Channel 9 in Chattanooga, TN.
Sue’s life was filled with passion and enthusiasm, particularly for sports. She was an avid athlete, participating in the Senior Olympics for volleyball and developing a deep love for pickleball. She was a true sports fanatic, finding joy in both watching and playing games. Sue’s dedication extended beyond her own participation—she was a devoted coach and mentor to her children’s sports teams, always actively involved in their group activities and cheering them on from the sidelines. Above all, Sue treasured the time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.
Services: A Celebration of Sue’s Life will be Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd., St. Louis, MO 63129 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm
In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the St. Louis Cancer and Breast Institute.
My condolences to family and friends.
I enjoyed many sports activities such as volleyball and softball with Sue. She was a ‘core’ player on our teams. ‘We had to have Sue playing with us!’
Sue checked to make sure I was organizing a team for an upcoming sport season.
Occasionally, I’d be asked to have an extra player to assist with grandchildren that she brought along so that she would be able to participate.
Sue was an avid player, enjoyed the games, played remarkably. I and other players appreciated Sue tremendously and enjoyed each other.
I am saddened and pray for her family and friends.
Coach Buzz
So sorry for your loss Jean. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Kuelker Family,
I’m sorry I couldn’t attend Sue’s service as I am out of town. I have nothing but good memories of Sue when we attended St. Anthony High School together so many years ago. She was always an athlete and I was not. I always envied how she and Sandy excelled in sports. Sue was a friend to everyone and I can’t imagine your pain of such a loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.