Memorial

Joseph Edward Hidder, 90, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at his home. Funeral Service: 10:30 am Monday, December 11th at St. George Orthodox Church. A visitation will be held from 4-7 pm Sunday, December 10, 2017 at St. George Orthodox Church with a Trisagion Service beginning at 7:00 pm. Burial: St. George Orthodox Cemetery.  

Joe was born on October 17, 1927 in Cedar Rapids, the son of Edward and Helen Hidder. He graduated from McKinley High School and then served in the United States Army. Joe married his love, Yvonne Shaheen, on June 8, 1958. He owned and operated Joey’s Drive Inn restaurant for over thirty years and loved every minute of it.

Joe was a faithful member of St. George Orthodox Church and was Chairman of the St. George Cemetery. He was a great storyteller and an avid sports fan. Joe loved the Chicago Cubs and the Iowa Hawkeyes, but most of all, he loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. In the 1940’s, he was the State Ping Pong champion and later won City Championship in 1972. 

Joe was very proud of the Edward Hidder Park in Oak Hill that was named after his father. He had a sweet tooth for candy and enjoyed watching his three favorite TV shows, The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune and of course Sanford and Son. He was a man that always put his family and his friends first and will be greatly missed. 

He is survived by his loving wife, of almost sixty years, Yvonne; six children, Eddie Hidder, Michele (Chris) Duggan, Joseph (Susan) Hidder, Darran Hidder, Denise (Tim) Kelly, Denelle (Robin) Robinson; and eleven grandchildren, Patrick (Carissa), Kyle, Kelsey, Justin, Jensen, Parker, Sophia, Rourke, Brady, Reese, and Joey.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Jackson Hidder; his parents; two brothers, Ernie Hidder, and George David.

As special thank you to the amazing staff at Emery Place and Mercy Hospice. 

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Joe’s memory.