Russell E. Hilger

Russell Eugene Hilger was born in David City to Leonard and Lois (Martin) Hilger on August 22, 1950 and had 6 siblings. He passed away on January 17, 2025, lifted up to Heaven surrounded by family and in the hearts of friends. 

Memorials can be directed towards Aquinas Catholic School. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, January 24 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in David City. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5 until 7 p.m. with a parish rosary recited at 7 p.m. all at the church. Visitation will resume Friday from 9 until 10 a.m. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery with lunch following at the David City Auditorium. Moravec Johnson Mortuary is handling arrangements for the Russ's family. 

Mass will be live-streamed, here is the link: https://youtube.com/live/tNdro4TWc3Q?feature=share

He recalled meeting the future love of his life as a child, when he laid eyes on a cute, blond four-year-old hiding behind her mother's skirt. A mere 10 years later, in high school, he asked her out. Russ and Shirley (Cemper) Hilger married in 1968. Russ spent his life working and raising four boys and four girls alongside her. 

Russ's first job was at Henningson Foods in David City. From there he worked at the Schuyler Pack where he learned all things butchering...knowledge that he shared with family and friends while working together to fill freezers. Later, he joined his Dad and brothers in the Hilger Farms operation, and he enjoyed many years farming around David City, O'Neill, and Johnstown, Nebraska. 

Russ was so proud of his kids, 23 grandkids and 10 great-grandkids. He loved to hunt, to fish, and to teach/share those experiences. He was known for his teasing, antics, and jokes, but would do anything for anyone. If there was a field fire, he'd have his tractor there to disc before the call had been made. If there was a fundraiser needed, he was ready to cook, play basketball, or volunteer in any way he could. The family table was always open to anyone that cared to join. 

He is survived by eight children: Ronna (Jerry) Simon, Deni (Scott) Krueger, Jesse (Nicole) Hilger, Shilo (Bonnie) Hilger, Colter (Sasha) Hilger, Ashley (Riley) Mullen, Tyler (Rachel) Hilger, and Norah (James) Sadowski. His grandchildren: Kasey Peters (Trevis Carmichael), Nikki (Nick) Thompson, Fiain Fen Uir, Cade Krueger, Tristan (Hannah) Hilger, Jaren Hilger (friend Heather Knorr), Tatum Hilger (fiancé Jarren Wlaschin), Laurel Hilger, Spencer Hilger, Violet Hilger, Wilson Hilger, Bergan Hilger, Bailey Hilger, Grayden Hilger, Delaney Mullen, Camden Mullen, Mary-Noelle Crum, Weston Mullen, Addysen Hilger, Zooey Hilger, Margaret Hilger, Bruce Hilger. His great-grandchildren: Cammerin, Caleb, Caden, Madelyn, Jack, Ellie, Amber, Raelyn, Scarlet, Karson. His brothers: Marv (Diane) Hilger, Vic (Fran) Hilger. His in-laws: Sharon Hilger, Jim Miratsky, Ron (Millie) Cemper, Don Cemper, Kenny (Becky) Cemper, Rick Cemper, Vic Cemper; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

 He was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law as well as: granddaughter Lindsey Anne Hoyt; siblings: Duane (Ellie) Hilger, Pam Miratsky, Norm Hilger, Patti Ann Hilger; in-laws: LaVena (Art) Ratkovec, Art (Ardie) Cemper, Chuck Cemper, Vern Cemper, Glenn Cemper, and sister-in-law Kathy Cemper.