Herbert J. Hilgendorf
PORTAGE – Herbert J. Hilgendorf, age 96, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at his home.
Herb was born on June 7, 1929, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Herbert and Helen “Nellie” (Crawford) Hilgendorf. He married Donna Jane Davison at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage. Herb was a banker at City Bank and Trust for 42 years, retiring in 1991. Following retirement, he worked part-time at H & R Block, doing taxes. Herb was a man of faith: a proud lifetime member of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage, and a member of the Dr. C.W. Henney Knights of Columbus Council #1637, Portage. He enjoyed woodworking and furniture repair. He loved projects, whether it be on the house or farm, built two houses and remodeled many family homes. Herb loved numbers; anything to do with finances. He was a family man and caregiver, and enjoyed his family – especially the grandchildren.
Survived by his children, Michael (Mary) Hilgendorf of Waunakee, Kevin Hilgendorf of Portage, Joseph (Joanie) Hilgendorf of Arizona, and Lisa (Thomas) Casey of Portage; six grandchildren, Nicole (Nick) Marx, Claire Hilgendorf, Courtney (Andrew) Schneider, John Hilgendorf, Katharine (Alissa) Shortreed and Dylan Casey; five great-grandchildren, Vincent, Oliver and Ansel Marx, Calvin and Mabel Schneider; his brother, Paul (Dorothy) Hilgendorf; his sister, Dorothy Hansen; his sister-in-law, Deloris Hilgendorf; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Herb was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Donna, his daughters, Patricia and Marcia, his daughter-in-law, Coleen Hilgendorf, and his siblings, Marie Mullenbach, Thomas Hilgendorf, William Hilgendorf, Margaret Hilgendorf and Helen Hilgendorf; his brothers-in-law, Harlan Davison and John Mullenbach, his sisters-in-law, Kathy Hilgendorf, Phyllis Russell and Colleen Davison.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage, with Fr. Randy Timmerman presiding. Following the luncheon, inurnment will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Portage. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the church on Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary Catholic School.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to SSM Hospice, especially Julie and Tiki.
The Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.
