Kristina R. Hilgendorf

On Wednesday, October 26, 2011, Kristina Rae Hilgendorf of Green Bay, WI, finished her earthly race and took up residence in heaven. Born to the late Robert and Ellen Plassman of Bloomdale, Ohio on June 7, 1946, Kris spent her life enriching the lives of others through her Christ-like walk, her sense of humor, and her passion for music. Graduating from Elmwood High School, Bloomdale, Ohio in 1964, she went on to receive a degree in Music Education from Kent State in 1973. During this time, Kris met Richard W. Hilgendorf who stole her heart. They married in April 1968. (Her heart was never returned and they remained steadfast friends, companions and lovers until the end.) Kris began substitute teaching after graduation and got her first full time position in 1992-93. Known as "Mrs. H." to her students, Kris thrived on finding fun and innovative ways to teach music and make it an integral part of her students' lives. She took great pleasure in learning new teaching methods and, toward this end, earned her Kodaly certification from Silver Lake College, an accomplishment she took great pride in. In addition to being a teacher, Kris was also a friend, mentor and substitute mom f...[more]

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numerous young people who came into her life. Beginning in high school, Kris devoted many years to directing and participating in music programs for churches she attended. She directed numerous choral and bell choirs, co-directed theatrical productions of Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell, and participated on-stage in productions of Fiddler on the Roof and It's a Wonderful Life. Kris leaves behind her husband, Richard; children Heidi (Michael) Foran, James Hilgendorf, and Liesl Groover; and granddaughters Alyssa Foran and Emily Hilgendorf, in addition to sisters Linda (McGrain) Kirkland, Robyn (Plassman) Shanahan, and Andrea Plassman. A celebration of Kris' life will take place at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 1 at the Lyndahl Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 31 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made for the "SLC Graduate Music Scholarship Fund" that will benefit music programs at Silver Lake College in Manitowoc, WI, in care of Richard Hilgendorf or Lyndahl Funeral Home.