Gerald V. Hilgenkamp

March 9, 1942 – November 26, 2021

Gerald (Jerry) V. Hilgenkamp, 79, unexpectedly went to heaven on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, from a heart so full of love, it just stopped beating. He was an amazing husband, dad, papa, and so much more to many, building a family who loved him more than anything. Born in Arlington, Nebraska, on March 9, 1942, to Agnes (Wittmann) and Vernon Hilgenkamp, he was the oldest of six brothers.

Gerald met the love of his life, Donna Appel, in first grade at Hay Valley School, in Ames, Nebraska, where he made quite an impression as he was a little bit naughty! They began dating in high school and married in 1963. Together, they had four children, Robin (Chris) Moyer, Dan (Dawn) Hilgenkamp, Jeannie (Dean) Parsons and Kathy (Chad) Roum; 13 grandchildren, Danielle (Sam) Landberg, Tanner Moyer, Sierra and Brand Hilgenkamp, Bailey, Gracie, Benjamin and Cody Parsons, Noah and Jonah Katt, Jacob, Madison and Samantha Roum; one great-grandson, Brooks Landberg; five grand dogs, Gus, Jax, Remi, Maverick and Skully (Sully) and "adopted" neighbor dog, Boone. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world.

He attended Hay Valley, Jamestown and Trinity elementary schools and graduated from North Bend Central High School. After high school, he went on to work at JM McDonald's, then to Watson Store Fixtures as a journeyman carpenter. He retired from Hormel Foods after 40 years in 2012. He and Donna shared their artistic talents with everyone through their craft business, Shady Lane Crafts. His carpentry skills and craftsmanship were second to none as everything he built was nothing short of perfection. He was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont and was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Hooper.

When his first grandchild was born, he was no longer Dad, he became Papa to all. He was best known for his smile, the ornery twinkle in his eye, ability to fix all things, and being "Papa on the Spot." He was the first to drop everything and rush off to help anyone in need. Papa could often be found mowing, tinkering in the garage, or riding around the acreage on his tractor with one of his grandkids on his lap. Sitting around was not for him as he always had a project, or 10, in the works, often resulting in a new scratch or scrape on his head. He had the best garden and swore it would get smaller every year, but it never seemed to!

Papa was everyone's #1 fan, rarely missing a soccer, basketball, volleyball, baseball, football, hockey game, swim or track meet, rodeo, you name it, he was there cheering on his kids and grandkids. He would always use endearing names like squirt or lil' duffer and loved the naughty little antics of his grandkids. He enjoyed teaching them how to use tools and the value of hard work. His fishing trips with friends and family, which included the occasional comedic show at the boat dock for all around to enjoy, made him so happy.

Anyone who was blessed to know Papa, knew he was the most loving husband, father, and papa a family could ask for. He created an amazing legacy and heaven gained one of the best. He will be missed every day.

He is survived by his wife; children; grandchildren; great-grandson; and brothers, Stanley Hilgenkamp (Marsha Lindbloom), Don (Kris) Hilgenkamp, Paul (Chris) Hilgenkamp; stepsister, Laurie (Steve) Holben; and stepbrother, Andy (Lois) Barber. Preceded in death by his mom, Agnes Hilgenkamp; father, Vernon Hilgenkamp; brothers, John and Alan Hilgenkamp; stepsister, Polly Streenz; his beloved dog, Butch; and grand dogs, Kelly, Buddy and Ruger.

Visitation with the family will be held at Moser Memorial Chapel, 2170 N. Somers Ave, Fremont, on Wednesday, Dec. 1, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A graveside service for friends and family will be held at Memorial Cemetery, 800 W. 23rd St., Fremont, on Thursday, Dec. 2, at 11 a.m. with a celebration of life luncheon immediately following at the Fremont Eagle Auxiliary, 649 N. Main St, Fremont. The family asks memorials be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the American Heart Association.

Moser Memorial Chapel, 2170 N. Somers Ave., Fremont, NE, 68025, 402-721-4490.

~~~Obituary courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Public Library, Blair, Nebraska ~~~

FindaGrave # 234433046