Obituary for Walter E. Hidding (1921 - 2013)

Walter E. Hidding, 91, of Agness, Ore., passed away at his residence on March 18, 2013. He was born December 30, 1921 in Chicago, Ill., the son of Robert and Marie (DeLaMater) Hidding. Walter was raised with his three brothers in Chicago. Following graduation from Lane Technical High School, Walter attended the Chicago Conservatory of Music where he studied voice. On October 26, 1941, he married Jeannette Whittaker in Chicago. Mr. Hidding served in the Veterinary Corps of the US Army during WWII. He was honorably discharged in 1946. Over the years, he and Jeannette made their home in Chicago, Skokie, Arlington Heights and Barrington Hills, Ill. Mr. Hidding was in the plastics industry for 60 years and was the President and owner of Blackhawk Molding Co. in Addison, Ill.

Mr. Hidding was an entrepreneur with many patents to his credit, including the invention of the Gripit and Swinger Handle for paperboard gable-top ½ gallon and one-gallon milk cartons sold in the 60’s and 70’s. In 2001, he retired to Agness, Oregon where he found peace, quiet and beauty. He belonged to the Chicago Swedish Glee Club for 40 years and toured with them bringing music to audiences throughout the United States and Europe. Mr. Hidding enjoyed music, travel, gourmet dining, tennis and the challenge in designing his own homes. He especially enjoyed spending time and traveling with his family. Survivors include his wife, Jeannette of Barrington, Ill., three children, Susan Maher and her husband Jay of Barrington, Ill., Douglas Hidding and his wife Pamela of Barrington, Robert Hidding and his wife Rosangel of West Dundee, Ill., two brothers, Daniel Hidding of Arlington Heights, Ill., Ronald Hidding and his wife, Barbara of Inverness, Ill., five grandchildren and their spouses, Christopher Maher (Rebecca), Ryan Maher (Victoria), Patrick Maher (Robin), Kyle Hidding, Robert Hidding and eight great grandchildren. Mr. Hidding was preceded in death by his brother Robert and sister-in-law Janet Hidding.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Agness-Illahe Fire Department, P.O. Box 27, Agness, Ore., 97406.

Services will be private. Condolences may be expressed online at www.redwoodmemorial.net.