Ralph Conrad Hilzer went to the lord on February 17, 2021 while doing what he loved, skiing on the slopes of Mount Shasta. Ralph was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on November 16, 1940 to Ralph and Mickey Hilzer. He grew up in Orland with his beloved older sister Carol, helping out at Speck's Café and playing in the local creeks. He ran track at Orland High School and graduated with a wonderful group of classmates in 1958. Ralph went on to attend Oregon State and Berkeley before graduating from Chico State University in 1962 with a degree in Mathematics. Ralph married Diane Johnson of Orland, CA in 1965 and had one son Tom Hilzer in 1969.

Ralph spent 22 years in the Navy with varying positions including navigator on the sub chasing P3 aircraft and the assistant CIC officer on the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise. Ralph retired from the Navy in 1985 and took a position as a computer science instructor at Chico State University, rising to Department Chair after 22 years of service.

Ralph married Orland High School classmate Joann Graves on May 24, 2008 and settled in town. Ralph loved to take care of his house, walk dogs, hike and water ski at Black Butte and sit in his hot tub. Ralph was heavily involved in the Federated Church of Orland, becoming a Deacon and working with other members to ensure that the building remained up to date. He loved to snow ski and water ski with friends and family including his granddaughters and grandsons and plays piano with the local Pedal Pushers piano group. He loved to hear about his grandsons playing basketball and running track and his granddaughters participating in equestrian competitions.

Ralph is survived by his Wife Joann, Son Tom and Wife Katherine and their Daughters Alanna and Elizabeth and his Step- Son Mathew Wife Michelle and their Sons Jules, Riley, and Gavin. Graveside Service will be at the Masonic Cemetery in Orland, Ca on February 25, 2021 at 1pm under the direction of Sweet- Olsen Family Mortuary, 530-865-3349. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in honor of Ralph Hilzer to any of the following: American Heart Association, Orland Volunteer Fire Department, Alzheimer's Association, Federated Church of Orland, or the American Cancer Society.