Robert Hilkemann earned his undergraduate degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University. He began his career as a high school teacher. After this chapter, he attended graduate school at Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine. He practiced podiatry for 37 years in Omaha, Nebraska. From 2014-2022 Robert served as a State Senator in the Nebraska State Legislature. He held various leadership positions during his tenure, including serving as the Governor of Nebraska for two and half days when the sitting Governor was unavailable. Robert has been married for 55 years and has three adult children and eleven grandchildren. Robert has served as Deacon, Elder, and a Presbytery Lay Representative in his church. Lastly, he enjoys singing as a member of his church choir.