PIERCE COUNTY LEADER - Pierce, Nebraska; Thursday, May 26, 1949

WILLIAM HILGERT LAID AT REST

Funeral services for William J. Hilgert, long-time Pierce county resident, were held Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 at Zion Lutheran church with Rev. C.M. Steging in charge. Beautiful floral tributes banked the casket, a mute testimony of the love and esteem in which the departed was held by all who knew and loved him.

Rev. Steging based his comforting words on Psalm 22.4. "Yea, though I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me". The congregation sang "For Me to Live Is Jesus", and a quartet composed of Mrs. Harold Gruett, Mrs. H.A. Krehnke, Henry Manske and R.H. Nehrig, sang two hymns, "Nearer My God to Thee" and Rock of Ages".

Following the services the body was laid at rest in St. John's Lutheran cemetery east of Pierce with the following nephews serving as pallbearers, Raymond, Myron, Lawrence and George Herbolsheimer; Louie Buckendahl and Walter Hilgert.

William John Hilgert was born April 17, 1866 at Gilman, Ill., the son of Mr.and Mrs. Frederick Hilgert. Here he received his early education and was also baptized and confirmed. At the age of 21 years he came to Pierce county and settled on a farm northeast of town. On June 19, 1894, he was united in marriage to Marie Herbolsheimer and this union was blessed with four sons and two daughters.

In 1922 Mr.and Mrs. Hilgert retired and moved to Pierce where they lived in a comfortable home in the north part of town. His lawn and his garden became his chief hobby. In 1944 they observed their golden wedding anniversary.

He suffered a stroke of paralysis on Saturday, May 14 and was called to his eternal reward just one week later.

He leaves to mourns his passing, his aged wife; two sons, George of Norfolk, and Louis of Pierce, and one daughter, Mrs. Otto C. Buckendahl of Scottsbluff, Nebr. Also nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sons who died when small and one daughter Mrs. John Luebe.

He was the last surviving member of his immediate family being preceded in death by his brother, Fred Hilgert, and two sisters.