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IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Lavera A
Hilgenberg
May 23, 1926 – February 9, 2018
Obituary
LaVera Hilgenberg, age 91, of Shawano passed away on Friday, February 9, 2018 at her home. LaVera Ann "Vera" Schroeder Hilgenberg was born in Shawano County May 23, 1926 to August and Jessie (Martens) Schroeder. The youngest daughter of 8 children, she learned early on that integrity and hard work make you a worthy person. Vera made friends easily and her humor was contagious. During her adolescence she learned beautiful etiquette working as a house keeper for a wealthy family in Milwaukee, modeled for Pranges in Green Bay and met Neil C. Hilgenberg while he was on leave from the Navy during World War II. You might say it was love at first sight and what a team they made. Vera and Neil strived for a better life having experienced the Great Depression. They wanted more and were determined to achieve at a high level. Education was a top priority and they wanted college educations for each of their children.
At an early age, Vera and Neil ran the Kaukauna Hotel. From there it was the auto sales business. Then in the early 60's, they embarked into the real estate business in Shawano. Vera was the money manager and could she stretch a dollar. Amazing. She also became the queen of remodeling. Give her a hammer, a shovel, a paint brush and watch her change a tired old house into a beautiful living space.
In between all the businesses came the 4 boys, Michael, Terry, Philip and Mark. Vera would joke she had 5 boys (Neil included) and "Mom" was truly the center of love for everyone. A consummate wife, mother, teacher and Christian, Vera taught Sunday school and participated in many leadership positions at the First Presbyterian Church as an Elder and Deacon. Vera was a member of the Shawano Lake Lioness and very much enjoyed golfing and bridge with her lady friends when able. Time was never a challenge nor was energy. You could find Vera visiting the nursing home, giving communion and visiting shut-ins. She often commented "how very lucky we are". That "lucky" made us all very lucky to have our Mom be the exceptional model of living, learning and loving life to its fullest. And now she is with her beloved Neil whom she has missed so very much.
Vera is survived by her four sons, Michael of Rancho Mirage, CA., Terry (Bonnie) of Shawano, Philip (Kathy) and Mark (Debbie) of Green Bay; 10 grandchildren, Heath of Palm Desert, CA., Heidi of Kansas City, MO., T.J. (Andie) of Appleton, Holly of Minneapolis, MN, Chad (Molly) of Kneeland, CA., Scott of Portland, OR., Christopher of Chicago, IL and Elizabeth, Madison (Chris) and Kyle of Green Bay; great-grandchildren, Quinn of Palm Desert, CA., Adelyn and Eliam of Appleton, Crosby and Marlowe of Green Bay; and several nephews, nieces and cousins.
Vera was preceded in death by: her husband Neil, her parents; three sisters, Della Wilt, Eleanore Belongia and Evelyn Truppe; and four brothers, Earl, Lyle, Archie and James Schroeder.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at First Presbyterian Church in Shawano with Rev. Blake Blakesley officiating. Burial will be in Lake Drive Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 am until the time of the services on Saturday.
A very special heartfelt "Thank You" to Jenny, Cookie, Elma, Donna, Laura, Linda, Beth, Sue and Michelle; and Dr. Mindy and the ladies of ThedaCare Hospice. Memorials have been established at Safe Haven of Shawano and First Presbyterian Church of Shawano.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lavera A Hilgenberg, please visit our flower store.
Services
Visitation
February
24
First Presbyterian Church
9:30 - 11:00 am
Funeral
February
24
First Presbyterian Church
Starts at 11:00 am
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