James Hilgers

Mankato Mortuary
1001 N. Riverfront Drive
Mankato, Minnesota 56001
507-388-2202

James "Jim" Hilgers, age 73 of Madison Lake, died Friday, September 6, 2013 at home with his family by his side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Rev. Mariano Valera, officiating. A visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at the Mankato Mortuary and will continue one hour before Mass at church. Private burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Mankato. Immediately following Mass all are invited to Charley's Restaurant for a celebration of Jim's life.

James Robert was born on March 1, 1940 to Roman and Verna (Wandersee) Hilgers in Mankato. He was a graduate of Mankato High School. Jim served his country for 6 years in the U.S. Army Reserves. While serving his country, Jim continued to farm with his family. Jim was united in marriage to Carolyn Smith on January 8, 1966 at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mankato. As the 4th generation to farm the Hilgers homestead, Jim was overjoyed when his son, James Lee and grandson, Cody James decided to follow in his footsteps and became the 5th and 6th generation farmers. Jim was a member of Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, the Catholic Order of Foresters and served on the Lime Township Board for 25 years. He enjoyed woodworking, traveling, camping with friends and family, bike riding, dancing, and spending time with the friends he made over the 20 years they wintered in south Texas. Jim loved to watch his granddaughter, Miranda Leigh deliver the weather as a live meteorologist on WeatherNation and couldn't have been more proud of her accomplishments.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Carolyn; son, James Lee (Jill); grandchildren, Miranda Leigh Hilgers (Andy Mair) and Cody James Hilgers (Alison Kluntz); sister, Sharon (Duane) Mock; sister-in-law, Gail Thovson (Otto Templin); brother-in-law, Craig (Karen) Smith; 2 nieces and 4 nephews; and little dog, Peaches.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and special dog, Pizza.