Portage, Wisconsin

William "Bill" Hilgendorf, age 84 of Portage, WI passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.

Bill was born on December 17, 1939, to Herbert and Helen (Crawford) Hilgendorf Sr.

Bill married Kathleen Moran on May 9, 1959. Throughout their 60 years of marriage, they were blessed with three daughters.

Bill was a fireman at Badger Ordinance for 35 years and a volunteer at the Portage Fire Department for over 20 years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Bill was a lifelong member of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage. Since childhood he attended church weekly as a devout Christian. Along with attending church weekly, Bill visited the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery daily to visit and take care of his loved ones.

Bill was a caretaker for the family, offering to care for whoever needed help with no expectations of anything in return. His faith and family meant everything to him.

Bill is survived by two daughters: Holly (Rick) Denman and Susan (Dean) Achterberg. Grandchildren: Nick Oehlhof, Matthew Denman, Noelle (Evan) Thom, Megan Denman, Alli Achterberg, Morgan (Brian) Cacic, and a granddaughter-in-law Kelly Denman. GreatGrandchildren: Ezra, Gabe, Walter, Elise, Natalie, Nathan, Avery, and Brewer. Bill is also survived by his brother Herbert Hilgendorf Jr., sister Dorothy Hansen, brother Paul (Dorothy) Hilgendorf, and sister-in-law Delores Hilgendorf, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, wife Kathleen, daughter Jill Oehlhof and grandson Michael Denman. Brothers and sisters: Helen Hilgendorf, Marie (John) Mullenbach, Tom Hilgendorf and Margaret Hilgendorf. Sister-in-laws: Donna Hilgendorf, Tykie (Tom) Simonson, and Emmy Raimer.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 1 a.m. on Friday, September 1 3, 2024, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage. Father Randy Timmerman will be officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30-11:a.m. at the church. Burial will follow the service at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Portage, WI.

In Lieu of flowers, donations will be made to the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.