Gene L. Hilgenfeld

Gene LeRoy Hilgenfeld was born on November 22, 1922 in McPherson, Kansas to Ruben Grant and Mamie Frederica (Postier) Hilgenfeld. He joined his Heavenly Father at the age of 93 on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at his home in Norman, Oklahoma.

Gene was a World War II veteran of the United States Army and proudly served his country in North Africa and Italy. He married the love of his life Vivian Gibbens on May 23, 1948 in Pratt, Kansas. They demonstrated true love and commitment for 68 spectacular years. They moved to Norman in 1965 where they raised their six children. Gene worked as a production foreman for Monsanto Oil Company for 44 years before retiring.

Gene was many things to many people, but above all he was a true family man. He was selfless and displayed a sacrificial love to his family and many others in his life. He could always be found supporting his children and grandchildren in the stands at their games, in the seat of a dance recital and around the table at the Hilgenfeld Sunday Dinner. He was the ultimate handy-man and had the ability to fix everything. He loved taking his children hunting and fishing, and served as a Boy Scout Leader. Gene enjoyed having coffee at the Kettle and Prairie Kitchen restaurants with his long-time friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Vern Hilgenfeld, and his sister Frances Lafferty.

Gene is survived by his wife Vivian; children Connie and Brewster Hobby, Mike and Susan Hilgenfeld, Terry Hilgenfeld, LaNita Hilgenfeld and Paula Vaughn, Lee Ann and Gary Gage, all of Norman, OK, Jim and Janet Hilgenfeld, Kathy Janzing of Wichita, KS; grandchildren Brian and Laura Hilgenfeld, Blake and Shanae Hilgenfeld, Drew and Holly Hilgenfeld, Kelli Hilgenfeld, Cara and Travis Mackey, Grant Gage, and Taylor Gage; and great-grandchildren Luke, Brayden, Cale, Cali, Elli, Davis, Mason, Kathryn, Ethan, and Landon; and sister Maxine Smith.