Armilla Mae Hilger, age 88, of Fennimore, WI passed away on Saturday April 1, 2023, at Divine Rehabilitation and Nursing in Fennimore. She was born on June 24, 1934, the daughter of Donald and Irene O’Connell of Eastman, WI. Armilla was the oldest, with a twin sister of 12 children. Armilla married Jerry Hilger on December 28, 1954. She went to the teacher college in Viroqua, WI and taught in a one room schoolhouse near Eastman. Jerry and Armilla farmed in the Wisconsin area till buying a farm west of Fennimore. She worked the Jersey farm and went back to college. After the six children got older, she was the Principal at St. Joseph’s School in Dodgeville, WI. Years later, she taught at Fennimore Elementary School until retiring at the age of 65. Armilla was very involved at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fennimore. After retirement, her and Jerry went to church every day they could. Armilla taught religious education and did her Hour of Adoration each week at church. Armilla loved to read, help Jerry with woodworking and said the Rosary each day. Armilla loved her family and especially spending time with her grandchildren. After her diagnosis of macular degeneration and the passing of Jerry, life really changed for her. A heart felt thank you to all the caring friends and neighbors who were a part of Armilla’s life. Also, thank you to the dedicated health professionals that helped Armilla through her final days.
Armilla is survived by her five children; Stan Hilger (Kelly Marquis), Deb Hilger, Brad Hilger, Bruce (Jackie) Hilger, and Pat (Susan) Hilger, 13 grandchildren; Matthew Hilger, Daren (Sarah) Mindham, Darcy (Juan) Mindham, Jessica (Matt) Nicholson, Stefanie (Tyler) Stromberg, Katie (Cody) Redding, Kristine (John) Sandlian, Brooke Hilger, Renae (Kess) Kane, Olivia Hilger, Andriea Hilger, Samanatha Kammes and Faith Hilger, and 17 great grandchildren.
Armilla was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jerry, son Mark, four brothers, one stepbrother, one sister and a daughter-in-law Jeri Hilger.
Memorials may be given in loving memory of Armilla Hilger to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alzfdn.org or the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fennimore.
Visitation
Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Hall.
Funeral Services
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday April 10, 2023, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fennimore.
Burial Services
Burial to follow in the church cemetery.