Vivian Joyce Hilgenfeld

Vivian Joyce Hilgenfeld, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, joined her Heavenly Father June 18, 2024, at the age of 97. Born to Murl Archie and Lottie (Westeman) Gibbens on July 25, 1926, in Johnson, KS, Vivian lived a life full of love, warmth, and kindness.

Vivian married the love of her life, Gene Hilgenfeld, on May 23, 1948, in Pratt, Kansas with whom she shared six beautiful children. They moved to Norman, OK in 1965. They were married for 68 years and their love story was a testament to true devotion and partnership.

Vivian's family was her greatest joy. She loved taking care of her six children, and then raising her granddaughter. She expressed her love through her cooking, creating delicious dishes that became family favorites, including her cinnamon rolls, pudding, and German chocolate cake. She cooked “Sunday Dinner” every Sunday for her entire family until she was in her nineties. She delighted in attending her grandchildren’s events, shopping with family members, elaborately decorating for holidays, and always ensuring her home was filled with love and warmth. Vivian was also a passionate fan of OU Sooners football and Thunder basketball, cheering them on each time they played.

Vivian was a member of the First Baptist Church in Norman, OK, and enjoyed being part of the Ladies Sunday School class. Her faith was important to her and she believed that God was always watching over her and her loved ones.

Vivian also worked at Safeway and then Homeland for over 30 years. Her family spent years trying to convince her to retire but she loved visiting with members of the community and making friends. She always had a smile on her face, warm embrace, and often made her signature giggle.

Vivian is preceded in death by her husband Gene Hilgenfeld; her sons Mike Hilgenfeld and Terry Hilgenfeld; daughter-in-law Janet Hilgenfeld; and son-in-law Brewster Hobby. She is survived by son Jim Hilgenfeld and Kathy; daughters, Connie Hobby, La Nita Hilgenfeld, and Lee Ann Gage and husband Gary; daughter-in-law Susan Hilgenfeld; grandchildren, Brian Hilgenfeld and wife Laura, Blake Hilgenfeld and wife Shanae, Drew Hilgenfeld and wife Holly, Kelli Porter and husband Justin, Cara Mackey and husband Travis, Grant Gage, and Taylor Perry and husband Tyler; and great-grandchildren Luke, Brayden, Cale, Cali, Elli, Davis, Mason, Kathryn, Ethan, Landon, Isaac, Beau, and Brooke. 

Vivian will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her loving spirit, generous heart, selflessness, fantastic sense of humor, and making others feel deeply loved.

A service to celebrate Vivian's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Norman, OK, followed by a graveside service at IOOF Cemetery. Her family and friends will gather to honor her memory, share stories of her kindness and love, and find comfort in the legacy she leaves behind. A visitation will be held at Tribute Memorial Care Tuesday, June 25th 2024, from 6-8pm.