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Walter Hilgenberg Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Walter Hilgenberg
Steve Fellegy
October 28, 2008
Here's another peek at how Wally lived and played EVERY game to win!
http://www.walleyefan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=522&Itemid=65
Gail Anderson
October 16, 2008
I can't believe I didn't hear of Wally's passing until a few days ago! I was a neighbor and good friend of the Hilgenbergs for many years - our sons were best friends when they were very young. Mary - remember the picture of Chad & Eric with the frog? I moved out of the area a number of years ago, but ran into Kristi & Mary shopping a couple of years ago - Kristi was pregnant - and in my mind I still remembered her as a little girl! I thank Mary for leading me to the Lord (she wrote the exact date in her Bible). They were the epitomy of what every family longs to be. I know that Wally is with the Lord now, but I can't help feeling sad that the world has lost such a great man. The last couple of weeks I had been thinking that I should give Mary a call to see how Wally was doing - the Lord must have put you in my mind even though I didn't know that Wally had already gone to be with the Lord. Mary, I would love to hear from you - I am thinking about you and your family so much these days. I would love to get an email from you! Take care - you and Wally will ALWAYS be in my heart.
Lisa Marie Roberts
October 5, 2008
Hilgenberg Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with u all at this time. may he be in Gods hands where he is healed from ALS..
i wasnt a Viking Fan but i was a Fan of Wallys... may he be at peace and home with the lord.. until we all see him again ...
Barbara Hilgenberg Cotton
October 5, 2008
Dear Mary and family,
I have fond memories of Wally as a young boy when we cousins would get together in the summers when we would come to Iowa for our vacation. My dad Les loved the hunting trips with all of the Hilgenbergs.
My thoughts & prayers are with each of you.
Sincerely,
Barbara Hilgenberg Cotton
Debi Eckert
October 4, 2008
May the Lord comfort you in this time of great sorrow. I grew up with during the days of Wally playing for the Vikings and will always remember him fondly. To know he was a strong Christian devoted to the Lord assures me and I know his family that he is at peace and free of pain.
Fairview Hospice
September 30, 2008
To the family of Walter Hilgenberg:
Please accept our sympathy for your loss. It was an honor to be with Wally during his final days. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sincerely,
The Fairview Hospice Team
Sara Hart (Eisinger)
September 29, 2008
Kristi,
May your strong faith get you through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have fond momroies of your Dad from when we were in emementary school.
Lisa Hatzenbeller
September 29, 2008
Mary and family -
I wanted to send my condolences to you and your family. Mary - while I have never met you personally, you have been a godsend to our family with the guidance you have given my husband. One day I hope to meet you and thank you in person for all you and Wally have done in our lives. Wally's legacy will live on in what he taught and how he lived his life. I only pray that I am half the person he was. He was and still is an inspiration to us all.
Jeff Olson, Executive Director
September 29, 2008
To the Hilgenberg family and friends,
Our deepest regrets for the loss of your husband, father, and friend. Wally was an inspiration to many and we will remember him fondly for all that he did for Confidence Learning Center (Camp Confidence).
Jean Halvorson
September 27, 2008
Dear Mrs. Hilgenberg and family:
In memory of Wally and with great respect for the Scripture chosen - II Timothy 4:7-8,
I wrote the following:
As listed in the column on the day Wally said good bye, was given Paul's charge to Timothy. He was preparing himself to die. Fight the good fight of faith, he uttered; it's a charge Wally did mean, and a phrase he lived in life, so all could plainly see. His faith was active in terms of usage. The Greek word "agon" means "fight" - that's true. Add the "y" and you'll have the why here of an agony that Wally knew. Yet with Christian love he did fight through it, and showed the grace which made him stand. When his limbs yielded in weakness, it was hard to understand. Still, his spirit continued upward and revealed a faith that ran its race. Now he's held in heaven's favor in the arms of Amazing Grace.
Rev. Jean Halvorson
Laurie Lightfoot
September 27, 2008
I am so sorry for the loss of Wally Hilgenberg. I enjoyed the "purple people eaters" and watching the Vikings during those years was great. I wish all athletes could be looked up to as those guys were. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. May you know God's peace.
Billy, Kari, Caitlin, Connor, & Megan Boyle
September 27, 2008
Mary, and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I only met Wally a few times but I could see from that first handshake what kind of guy he was. His eyes opened brightly and his smile was wide when he spoke of his family. Even in those brief moments you see how he could make a difference in someones life, and I'm sure he did make a difference for many.
Marilyn Grassmann
September 27, 2008
Mrs. Hilgenberg and family
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the death of your husband and father. I know what you are going through as my husband died from ALS in 2002. At his funeral, the pastor said that God was able to do what no doctor could, cured him of ALS and my family is greatful for those words.
Luther Thompson
September 26, 2008
Wally was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. He is surely on God's first team now. May God comfort and bless you, his family, and may your memories sustain you.
Michael Muhar
September 26, 2008
Mary and Family,
Wally was a lot of laughs I had the privledge of fishing with Wally on Bay Lake and hearing Wally share Christ with a men's fellowship group from Grace Church. He really lived a life and passion of honoring his Lord.
Blessings,
Michael Muhar
Joe Florenzano
September 26, 2008
Dear Hilgenberg Family, I wanted to express my deepest condolences to Wally's family. I knew Wally from the many autographs signings he has done with us at Triple Crown Sports Collectibles over the last 20 years. He was a great person and guest, who shared many Vikings stories with his fans at our shows. My deepest condolences go out to his wife, Mary and his family, which were his number one fans. God Bless you all.
Wayne Boysen
September 26, 2008
I have known Wally ever since he played for the Viking. That was a great accomplishment, but I knew him better in the Insurance business where I bought some of his products for Banks. He was the ultimate Gentleman,always honest and forthright. He always had the cleints interest first. He was an outstanding football player, but more importantly he was a atrue gentlelman and a very good friend. Even though I hadn't seen him for three or four years I will miss him greatly.
Cindi Thelen
September 26, 2008
Angie and Family,
My Family sends our condolences. My son Kael and Angie's son spent time fishing at Wally"s. Kael stopped by a few times this last summer to visit with Wally and Mary, He always was excited to go there. I understand the last two years have been so hard. I just want you to know we are thinking of you and I'm thankful my son got to meet such a good Godly man.
The Peter Thelen Family
JEANIE (JOHNSTON) BRAUNSCHWEIG
September 25, 2008
I will miss Wally Hilgenberg,
I grew up watching "the purple people eaters". I grew up in Ramsey, Mn. in the 70's. We moved there in 1969 when I was 4yrs old. My parents were huge VIKINGS fans, therefore were all of us kids. (7) Anyway, way back in the day, our new neighbor, Ron Jerich, knew "the boys", including Ed White. My parents bought our first microwave oven from Wally, it must've been an off-season job. Anyway, I am 43 yrs old now and have never forgotten my handsome hero..
I LOVE YOU WALLY HILGENBERG.
Nancy Rector
September 25, 2008
Mary and Family,
We send our prayers to you at this time. We are rejoicing with you that Wally is with the Lord and has been granted the perfect healing.
God Bless you and may He give you comfort and peace.
Love, Dan and Nancy Rector
Jackie Vann
September 25, 2008
Mary,
It's been many many years since you graciously invited Roger and myself over for dinner. Walley and Roger played a game of pool. You and Walley have been a blessing to many people over the years. May God be with you and the family more than ever during this time of missing your loved one.
With the Love of Jesus,
Jackie Vann
Debbie Reynolds
September 25, 2008
I don't know your family but what an inspirational obituary! Rock on, Wally! Thanks for your good witness and that of your family.
September 25, 2008
I only met Wally once. Immediately I could tell what a kind and caring person he was. A few weeks later, he came to the aid of one of my oldest and dearest friends - I called him out of the blue - and he immediately dropped everything to lend a hand. I have never forgotten that act of kindness - nor has my dear friend. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be dearly missed.
Linden Frank
September 25, 2008
Wally,
Your in the greatest place there is. This is your Super Bowl and you deserve it. So much of what you've done for Christ will last now forever.
God's speed, buddy.
Lindy
Darrell Hilgenberg
September 25, 2008
Our hearts and prayers go out to Wally's family. We only
got to meet Wally once in the early seventies after the
game in Kansas City. We loved watching the Viking games
and always looked for the #58 on the field. He wll be missed
but never forgotten.
Dean Brown
September 25, 2008
I only met him once at an event at Buffalo Covenant Church when he and Stu Voight spoke. It was awesome to hear of his deep faith in Christ and to know that he lived that on the field. As a minister of the Gospel I am encouraged by hearing of his faith and his battle with ALS and how God used that in the lives of others. I will be sure to pray for the Hilgenberg family this Sunday during our worship service.
Mike Grosser
September 25, 2008
To the Hilgenberg family-
Wally touched many lives on Sunday afternoons, but lives like mine were touched by him on a Saturday morning men's breakfast. That contagious laugh of his and his smile will never leave him again. May God grant you all strength, peace and yes, joy in this difficult time.
Mike Grosser(Buffalo Men of Faith)
Jerry Graham
September 25, 2008
Dear Jerry, I am so sorry to read about your brother's death. You took me home with you a couple of times while we were attending the U. of Iowa, to Wilton Junction. Wally was pretty young at the time, but I did get to meet him. It sounds like he was a remarkable man. I am not surprised, you were an exceptional person yourself, Jerry. I am sorry I lost touch with you. I have lived in Mankato, MN for the past 50 years. I was director of Physical Therapy at the hospital here for 32 years. My condolences, and hope everything is going well for you. Jerry Graham
Julie Flower Hansen
September 25, 2008
Mary and family, Wally was so wonderful. We rejoice with you all in the hope of the resurrection! And may the Lord stay very close and send His Holy Spirit to comfort you all. Love in Him, Mark and Julie Flower Hansen (Your former Bible Study teacher)
Joseph Kruchowski
September 25, 2008
Wally, I will miss you. It was a privilege to have met you and your wonderful family on your many trips up north. I extend my deepest sympathy.
Northwoods Bait & Tackle
Kay Scaletta
September 25, 2008
My mom lived in Wilton Junction at one time. She now lives in Beecher, Illinois. In fact, my dad, Clifton Satterthwaite, lived with Wally's family when Wally was a young boy (in the 40s). He was principal at Wilton Junction High School at the time. I have heard both my parents talk about the Hilgenberg family with fond memories. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Scott Fabro
September 25, 2008
My deepest Sympathies to Mary, Angie, Amy, Erik and Kristie and their families.
Wally touched my life in many different ways. He was my childhood football hero that became a friend of our family. Wally was unlike many sports heros, as he never acted like one around us. He talked with us kids as if we were his friends. He shared his faith and always encouraged me and my brothers while growing up to be the best, love God and do everything with all your heart. It seems, I am sure, to many as a contradiction; a strong intense man with a gentle kindness that echoed his faith. When around him you desired to be a better man, father, husband and person. Wally was my parent's friend and I in turn became his. Over the past few years, he met my wife and kids and shared of himself again. Wally gave of himself to others , which to me was better than any football game or achievement one could attain. Wally you autographed this world with your life. I am honored and blessed to have known you. You still remain my hero.
Tiffany Terzich
September 25, 2008
Kristi and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Tiffany Terzich (former classmate of Kristi)
Kent Peterson
September 25, 2008
To the Hilgenberg family and friends,
The verse from 2Tim 4:7 comes to mind when I hear of Wally's extraordinary life. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith," aptly describes him for those of us that only knew him as a football warrior. I now know he was a warrior of God as well. Well done Wally! Rest in His arms because you deserve it. May Mary and the family receive His peace in the days ahead.
September 25, 2008
Thank you, Mr. Hilgenberg, for your example of courage, perseverance, and positive attitude on and off the field.
My condolences to the Hilgenberg family.
Jan Halvorson
September 25, 2008
To Wally's family, friends and the greater Viking family: I extend my deepest sympathy on his passing.... As a life-long Viking fan, I remember his talent on the field and his class off the field. He shared his faith in the Lord in public, though it's not popular to do so. May He rest with His Savior until we see him again....God's grace be to you all.....Jan Halvorson, Mpls., MN
Steve Fellegy
September 25, 2008
Words can't describe my feelings for Wally and the Hilgenberg family.
I was so very privilaged to have spent countless hours with Wally as we competed in the big walleye tournaments of the '80's. No one has played that game harder and smarter than Wally! The stories are endless....and will forever be cherished.
Thanks Mary! Words just can not say enough...
Today we've all lost a big one. But having Wally touch our lives has made us all winners. Thanks Wally.
Keep a tight line Wally!
Steve Fellegy
Greg and Kristin Johnson
September 25, 2008
The best man we have ever had the extreme pleasure to know and there can be no doubt that God is smiling now that Wally is back home. Mary, you are an angel on earth and the two of you will always be in our hearts and prayers.
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