"To the Hilligoss family: I took a drive today to St. Catherines to visit mom's grave and I was surprised to see Max's fresh gravesite. I am sorry that I missed that he had passed. Such a life well lived and may you find comfort in the many good memories that you have of him. Sincerely, Marcia Cayot Wright, from the entire Cayot Family. "
In loving memory of
Max L. Hilligoss
June 12, 1917 - February 12, 2020
Max L. Hilligoss, 102, of South Whitley, IN passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at Heritage of Huntington. Born on June 12, 1917 in Huntington County, he was the son of Arthur G. and Dorothy M. (Marshall) Hilligoss.
He played basketball and baseball while attending Clear Creek High School and graduated with the Class of 1935. On February 26, 1938, he married Dolores C. Nix. In 1949 they moved to Washington Township in Whitley County before moving to his present home on the family farm in 1970.
He had been a farmer all his life, starting at the age of 13. He used mules and horses in his early life of farming. It would take Max two hours each way to South Whitley to take corn to the Elevator, making two trips a day. In 2015 the Hilligoss farm was awarded the "Hoosier Homestead Farm" owned by the same family for 100 years. He was a member of St. Catherine's Catholic Church and coached the Church's league softball team in the early '50's.
He enjoyed watching the New York Yankees baseball, Norte Dame football and attending Huntington University basketball games for many years. As of this date, he was 102 ½ years old, lived alone in his own home and still driving to Huntington to have dinner.
Survivors include his daughters, Carolyn (Stanley) Fisher of Pleasant Lake and Nancy (Steve) Josephson of Los Angeles, CA; son, John (Deb Gerig) Hilligoss of South Whitley; 10 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and 9 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughter, Sandra "Sue" Bryan; brother, Robert Hilligoss; sister, Miriam Burkhart Rice; and 1 great-grandson.
Visitation is 1-5 p.m. Sunday, February 16, 2020 at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City with a Rosary prayer beginning at 12:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:30 a.m. Monday at the St. Catherine's Catholic Church, 9989 S. SR 9, Columbia City, IN 46725 with visitation starting at 8:30 a.m. Father Dale Bauman will be officiating. Burial to follow at St Catherine's Nix Settlement Cemetery. Memorials may be given in his memory to Masses or St. Catherine's Catholic Church Preservation Fund. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send Max's family condolences online.
Tributes
"Vera Johnson wants to send her condolences. Mom thought a lot of Max. Max was in Mom and Dad?s wedding! She sends her love and prayers. Julie Zorger "
"Our prayers are with your family. Max was a great guy! He sure lived life to the fullest! God bless you, Julie and Jim Zorger "
"Sorry for your loss and remembering all of the family in our prayers. We are in Florida and I am sorry that I couldn't come to the viewing. He certainly had a "well lived life" and will be missed by many!"
"Our prayers and sympathy for all the family for your loss. Sorry we couldn't be at viewing(out of state) can only imagine the good memories you must be sharing. God Bless"
"Our hearts go out to the family of Max, he will be missed. With our deepest sympathy, Brian and Dianna Smith and the entire staff of Jerry's Tire Service"
"So sorry for your loss. I always looked forward to visiting with Max and listening to his stories of farming and family. I remember a couple of years ago loading out beans. We were down to using the sweep augur. I looked around and Max was getting into the bin to sweep it out. Always admired his desire to stay active and love what you do. He was a true gentleman and will be missed. Deepest sympathy to the Hilligoss family. Tim & Teresa Kuckuck"
"Sorry to read that your Dad has passed away. Just read an article about him in the Farmers Exchange wow what a Milestone 102 years not many get to live that long. I?m sure he has shared lots of stories to his kids and grandchildren. Keep those memories alive by reminesing. Prayers for all of your Families."
"To Carolyn, Nancy, John and extended families,
You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of this wonderful man. We so enjoyed him staying with us in Branson, MO for those basketball tournaments. Also, the many breakfasts after Mass on Sundays. Farming is what kept him going. As he farmed the field next to where I lived it was so interesting to see him working that field when he was 99! I?m sure the memories he left you with will go on for generations to come. So sorry I can?t be to the viewing or funeral living farther away now, but know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God be with you all during this time of celebrating a long and fruitful life. He has now come to life in its fullest ? Eternal happiness for ever.
"
"Dear Nancy, John and Caroline, Max(Dad) , lived a long and wonderful life. He had four lovely children and lots of grand , and great grand children to carry on his legacy. He was strong to the end. I was always amazed at the things he was doing at his age. Dad, you will be missed. Rest In Peace. Our love to the family. Elisabeth and Kevin Minihan"
"So sorry for your loss. Max always made me smile and I so admired his love of baseball. "
"Our heartfelt sympathy to all of the Hilligoss family. Max will be remembered as a kind, loving and gentle man. A life well lived! May his memory be eternal. John and Connie Giokaris"
"Our thoughts and prayers to all the family. We were fortunate enough to know Max through his children and enjoyed his many stories and his interest in sports. Tom and Sue Booth "
"We send our love and prayers to all the family. We were so fortunate to have known Max and to have been able to spend time with him and hear the many stories of his life. His love of family and the farm life was so evident . We will miss his sweet smile. Marlin and Jill Gaff"
"Love and sympathy to your family... please know uncle Max means the world to all of us? Such a special special man ?"
"To the family... Sympathy in the loss Max. What a life he lived to the fullest. I loved seeing pictures of him being shared on Facebook, working on the farm, holding his great grandson. May you all cherish the legacy and memories he left. Doug and Darleen (Hollenbaugh) Wright"