"Cherish, your dad is now in heaven doing his thing with all our loved ones that went before us.. I am sure my dad will take your dad in as a friend and brother Marine and they can raise trouble together.. It is so hard to loss your Dad so if you ever want to talk, I am here for you"
In loving memory of
Ralph "Jerry" Hilger
July 27, 1944 - April 16, 2013
Our heavenly Father came to call, Ralph "Jerry" Hilger, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, home on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 68 years of age and was under the care of his family and LeRoyer Hospice. Born on July 27, 1944 in Antigo he was the son of Ralph and Marie (Grabowsky) Hilger.
He attended Apple Grove grade school in the town of Norwood and Antigo High School. Mr. Hilger served honorably with the United States Marine Corp from 1962 to 1966 in Vietnam. After service he worked for R.J. Hilger and Sons and Greenheck Fan Corporation for several years.
Jerry was an over the road truck driver having been employed by Dan Hilger Trucking and later became an owner/operator. He was also employed by Red Robin Seeds. His longest and most recent tenure was driving for Karl's Transport out of Antigo and was honored to be a member of their team.
He was a member of St. John Catholic Church where he served as an usher. He was also a member of the Leland-Tollefson Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 2653, Antigo, the NRA and Pholx Sportsman's Club.
His hobbies included golfing, fishing, hunting, he was an avid sports fan, enjoyed working in his yard, spending time at the family hunting cabin in Goodman and playing cards with family and friends.
Jerry enjoyed vacations and good conversation. Also known as "Ralphy" he was always ready for a laugh and will be remembered for his spirited demeanor. Jerry loved and had his greatest moments with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his loving wife of 23 years Mary (Anderson) Hilger; a daughter Cherish (Jef) Glubka, Winneconne; and their children Melia and Dominick Glubka; a son Dom (Becky) Hilger, Antigo and their children Jack, Greta and Lily Hilger;
two sisters Bette Koepke, Menasha, Donna (Marvin) Uttech, Birnamwood; six brothers Larry Hilger, Antigo, Dan (Patti) Hilger, Antigo, Dick (Mary) Hilger, Bass Lake, Bob (Cindy) Hilger, Indio, Calif., Bill (Terry) Hilger, Antigo, Ed (Lori) Hilger, Antigo;
two sisters-in-law Jeanne Hilger, Wisconsin Rapids, Connie Anderson, Fond du lac; a brother-in-law Dave Wilhelm, Antigo;
he is further survived by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
In addition to his parents Ralph and Marie Hilger he was preceded in death by a brother John Hilger, a sister Carol Wilhelm, a sister-in-law Judy Hilger, brothers-in-law George Anderson and Dale Koepke; and his father and mother-in-law Morris and Marie Anderson.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 20 at 12 p.m. at St. John Catholic Church with Rev. Charles Hoffmann officiating. Antigo Veterans will conduct military rites at the church following Mass.
Visitation will be Friday, April 19 from 2 - 6 p.m. at the Bradley Funeral Home with a parish wake service at 2:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home.
Memorials may be directed to LeRoyer Hospice or the Gerald and Dorothy Volm Cancer Center of Antigo. Donations may be mailed to 112 East Fifth Ave. Antigo, WI 54409.
Jerry will be remembered for his contagious smile, patience, loving heart and will be missed by all who loved him.
The family would like to thank all the medical staff who cared for Jerry through his illness and Fr. Charlie for his friendship and spiritual guidance.
Tributes
"Mary, I am so sorry to hear about Ralph, I so enjoyed working with him and just spending time with you two last spring when I was still in Antigo. I have thought of you both often since I have been here in Montana and when I have seen the elk as often as I have I thought of Ralph, you two would love the nature here, it is gorgeous. I am just so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time. Your annoying yet ever present VNA nurse, even when I wasn't present, thinking of you always."
"Mary & family, Tic & I were saddened to hear about Jerry. Had it not been for the trucking industry, we would've never had the opportunity to meet "Whiskey Man"! What a great guy! He will be missed. Keeping you in our thoughts & prayers."
"Mary, you are in our thoughts and prayers. You will be comforted by memories and the love you had for each other. Our deepest sympathies."
"Mary and the Hilger Family, So sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. May God give you comfort and strength during this difficult time. We hope the good times and joyous memories will help ease your pain! May your faith in Jesus give you peace and remind you that you will meet again in your eternal life in Heaven."
"Hi Mary Kay - You are very much in our hearts and prayers. Ann and I were so blessed to see you and Jerry a couple of weeks ago. We will always treasure those memories. Love and God Bless! "
"You will always be with me Pops!"
"Dan- Sorry to hear about the death of your brother, Jerry. May you hold onto the good memories. God's peace. Our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. "
"Mary-- We are sorry to hear of Jerry's death. We hope that you will be able to hang onto the good memories of your life together. We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers. May God grant you peace, strength, and understanding during this difficult time. "
"So sorry to hear that Jerry has passed away. I know it hasn't been easy going lately but feel confident that his smile endured. I remember visiting with him at Maplewood Golf Course a few years ago. Peace be with you now Cuz'."
"Mary, Even though it has been years since I have seen either of you, I remember both of you as if it were yesterday. Please accept my condolence, as I know your family will miss him very much."
"Mary and family, We are so sorry to hear @ Jerry and our thoughts and prayers are with you. "
"I think you know how much Bill and I loved both you and Jerry. To think we go back so many years and each one is like a jewel to polish and wear near and dear to our hearts. Here Bill and I are in S Dakota and have been sitting and talking for hours about our memories and the many laughs we shared over all these years. Bill always felt Jer was one of his best friends in the world. WE shed a few tears tonight saying our own goodbyes since we won't be back in time for the funeral. Just know Mary, that we love you dearly, and we will come see you as soon as we can. We are sending love, hugs and prayers to wrap around you like a patchwork quilt of peacefulness. God Bless you, friend and tell Jerry we love him still and forever... "
"Mary, I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I'll always remember Jerry's encouraging words before I would walk down the aisle at St. John to do my readings. May he rest in peace. God's blessings to you and your family. Susan (gress) Larson"
"Dan and Bill, My condolences on the loss of your brother. Paul Janssen (Janssen's Serv. Station) Antigo-Mountain"
"Ralphie- we will miss your "Let me ask you a question," your sandals and shorts in summer and most of all your happy go lucky personality. It was a pleasure to work with you the past few years. You will always be well respected, honored and held in high regard at Karl's Transport....all our sincere love and prayers to your family:)"
"Mary and Family....So sorry to hear about Jerry...I sure will miss his sense of humor and the twinkle in his eye.... Rick and Barbara Schacht Watersmeet, Michigan"
"Jerry was a great guy! I always looked forward to seeing him come in the shop when he pulled in the yard. He would be smiling and give me a ribbing or have a joke. Or sometimes have me work on his little Toyota truck. Hadn't bumped into him in some years and was sad to read about his passing. My condolences to his family!"