Obituary: Arthur W. Hilgers

BRADENTON, FLA./ MADISON - Arthur W. Hilgers, age 91, of Bradenton, Fla., formerly of Madison, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2009, in Bradenton. He was born on May 25, 1918, in Madison, the son of the late Mathias and Frances (Bauhs) Hilgers. Art graduated from Madison Central High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1941 until 1945. Art married Ruth Hillestad on Jan. 21, 1947, in Dane. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 24 years, retiring in 1980. Art and Ruth retired to Florida. Art was a member of the Zor Shrine, Madison Elks, Doric Lodge No. 356, and Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bradenton, Fla. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ruth of Bradenton, Fla.; daughter, Barbara (Michael) Nelson of Deerfield; three step grandchildren; three step great-grandchildren; a sister, Shirley (Peter) Christie of Martinez, Calif.; and nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be held at MESSIAH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5202 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2009, with the Rev. Jeff VandenHeuvel and the Rev. Vernon Awes presiding. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Zor Shriners, attention: memorials, 575 Zor Shrine Place, Madison, WI 53719 or a charity of the donor's choice. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 31, 2009