Obituary of George V. Hilby

George V. Hilby, 92, of Jefferson passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Reena Senior Living surrounded by his family.

George was born on February 22, 1931 in Hokah, Minnesota to Valentine and Anna (Meier) Hilby.  He was the second of nine children. 

He married Joanne M. Weiner on April 10, 1956, and enjoyed 62 years of marriage before her passing in 2019.  Together, their lives were focused on their four children, 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren on the way.

George enlisted in 1951 into the United States Air Force and served for four years in active duty, followed by 31 years in the United States Air Force Reserves.  He also worked 31 years in civil service at the 440th Airlift Wing in Milwaukee.  In addition, he worked as an auto mechanic, a real estate agent, and an associate at a local hardware store.  George volunteered, along with his wife, for many years at St. Vincent De Paul in Jefferson.

He was a faithful member at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and was also a member of Knights of Columbus.

George enjoyed spending time outdoors, tending to his land, gardening, traveling, and hunting with his family.  Above all, spending time with his family was his passion.

He is survived by his children, Robert (Jean) Hilby of Friendship, James (Heidi) Hilby of Mequon, Patricia (James) Filak of Rockford, IL, and Dennis (Ae Kyong) Hilby of Dayton, OH;  grandchildren, Robert (Stacie) Hilby II, Samantha (Benjamin) Peterson, Jacob (Emily) Sheely, Andrew (Ashley) Sheely, Breanna (Benjamin) Kopitzke, Brandon (Carly) Hilby,  Sarah Hilby, Erin (Brandon) Stoffregen, Rachel (Steven) Claudin, Alec (Meghan) Filak, Rebecca (Matthew) Pronschinske,  Susan (Brandon) Johnson, Steven (Rebecca) Hilby;  21 great-grandchildren,  Lucas, Nathan, Charlotte, Emerson, Augustin, Catherine, Robert III, Joshua, Charlotte, Avery, Natalie, Jackson, Soren, Josephine, Charlie, Peter, Myles, Carter, Olivia, Zachary, Juliette, and three more great-grandchildren on the way; brothers, Walter (Mae) Hilby, David (Polly) Hilby, and Kenneth (Nancy) Hilby; sisters-in-law, Gloria (John) Habhegger, Sharon Weiner; and brothers-in-law, Paul Weiner and Chuck Larson.

George is preceded in death by his wife, Joanne Hilby; brothers, Roland (Jo) Hilby, Valentine (Mary Ann) Hilby; sisters, Mary Weiner, Irene (Wayne) Weinzirl, and Alice Hilby; and great-grandchildren, Everett Hilby, Marie Filak, Rory Filak, and Max Peterson.

Mass of Christian burial will take place on Friday February 9, 2024 at 12:00 PM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jefferson with the Rev. Thomas Coyle officiating. Visitation will take place from 10:30AM until the time of mass at church.  Burial will follow the mass in the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, St. Vincent De Paul in Jefferson, or Agrace Hospice.

The family would like to give special thanks to Reena Senior Living staff and Agrace Hospice staff for their exceptional care of George.

Online condolences can be made at www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com