Joanne "Jo" F. Hilgendorf

Joanne “Jo” Francis Hilgendorf

Went to her heavenly home from Kathy Hospice on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at the age of 72.

Jo was born on Wednesday, May 7, 1952 to Alfred & Dorothea (Gramoll) Hilgendorf. She was the youngest of four children. Jo’s mother passed away a year after she was born. Her dad married Olga (Sliepka) who was a loving mom to her. 

She was baptized & confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church – Freistadt, WI. And served in various positions as a lifelong member, including the funeral committee and performing with the Trinity Freistadt Players theatre group.

Also, a lifelong Freistadt resident, Jo grew up on Granville Road in the family home surrounded with lots of childhood friends & neighbors. Her ready smile and cheerful disposition were treasured by all.

Jo graduated from Homestead High School in 1970 and was accepted to UW-Milwaukee’s Journalism program. She was a dedicated Walgreens employee until her 2015 retirement after 45 ½ years of service.

She shared a passion for travel with her parents & Walgreens friends. Jo was especially fond of driving to visit dear Florida & Ohio friends in her vintage Cadillac Deville. She was an avid Brewers & Packers fan and she immensely enjoyed attending Germanfest, Summerfest & the Wisconsin State Fair.

Jo loved her dogs and they loved her! Most recently she adopted Saltie. Before that her dear friend, Summie shared many special moments with her and made her life complete. Her little Timmie was a favorite in the annual 4th of July parade. Others included Tammy, Sammy, Cheetah, Choco & Chico. These pups were “family” and traveled all over the country with Jo.

Jo also cherished Christmas and lovingly created the most amazing village displays ever! For many years, she & Olga welcomed into their home the first graders from Trinity Lutheran, as well as, family & friends to share the wonder of Jesus’ birth and enjoy their labor of love and devotion to Jesus Christ our Savior.

Those Jo leaves behind to cherish her memory include her siblings: Roger (Nancy) Hilgendorf & Elaine Dunn. Dear nieces & nephews: Renee (Kevin) Townsend & children, Stacy & Mark (Kaitlynn); Chris (Ron) De Long & sons, Jon & Matt; Michele (Kevin) Klages & children, Nick & Magi; Mark Muellner & children, Erin (Thomas) Avalos, Alyssa (fiancé Preston Alberti) & Jake. Further survived by her beloved cousins: Carol (fiancé Bob O’Malley) Melnyk & daughter, Katia (Nick) Riha; Michael (Ann) Beno. Sweet great grandnieces & nephews and dear family & friends. Special friends include: Ellen (Eddie) Stocks & their daughter, Heidi, Linda Papcke, Barb Cox, Mary Ann Sonnentag, Mike & Terry Bevis, Sue Wintersteen and Chris & Dr. Win Stringer.

Preceded in death by her birth mother, Dorothea; brother, Marty; father, Alfred and mom, Olga.

The family wishes to thank Jo’s neighbors & friends who devoted their time and love to Jo allowing us to honor her wish of staying in her home as long as possible. “Team Jo” members included: Ellen, Heidi (Craig), Chris, Barb, Linda, Mary Ann & Sarah (Randy). A special thank you to Tammy (Visiting Angels-Germantown) and Pastor Philip Hillenbrand.

There will be a visitation for Jo on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, from 3:00 PM till 6:00 PM at Mueller Funeral Home (W63N527 Hanover Avenue Cedarburg, WI 53012). The service will be held on Wednesday February 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM with a visitation starting at 10:00 AM at Mueller Funeral Home in Cedarburg. The burial will immediately follow the service at Trinity Ev. Freistadt Cemetery.

Memorials to Trinity Freistadt Historical Society are appreciated.