Allan D Hilgendorf

Allan Hilgendorf (90), died on February 12, 2025. He was born in Fairmont, MN on March 17, 1934, to Edwin and Elsie Hilgendorf.
Allan graduated from Trimont High School in 1952. He then served two years in the army, after which he attended the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities earning a bachelor's degree in 1959 in the field of science education.
Allan taught high school in Kenyon, MN for three years and then attended the University of South Dakota to earn a Master of Natural Science degree. He and his wife Carolyn then moved to Owatonna, MN where he taught High School Physics and Math for five years. Allan also worked part time as a computer programmer for Jostens.
He received two National Science Foundation stipends to attend summer institutes at Michigan Tech and University of Kansas. He also attended a summer institute at Stanford University and a two-year program at Cornell University under a SHELL Foundation sponsored program for science teachers.
The family moved to Menomonie in 1968 when Allan accepted a position with UW-Stout as an Associate Professor in the physics department. He was instrumental in developing new curriculum. Allan has recently been living at The Wealshire memory care in Bloomington, MN.
Allan always had an interest in flying and spent much of his leisure time designing, building, and flying radio-controlled model airplanes. He was always available to help others with building projects and gave flying instructions to many younger people wherever he was living with his family at the time.
He was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn of 60 years, his parents Edwin and Elsie, three older brothers John, Burdette, and Ralph (Kay), and younger sister Eunice Wahl.
He is survived by his children Jennifer Ann (John) Montean of Shakopee, MN, Marc Hilgendorf of San Diego, CA, and Alex (Jennifer Lynn) of Madison, WI. Grandchildren Ben (Kailee) Montean, Anders Montean, and Maya Hilgendorf; Great Grandsons Beau and Colt Montean. Younger brothers Douglas (Lin) Hilgendorf and Joel (Gail) Hilgendorf, sister-in-law JoAnne Hilgendorf, brother-in-law Nick Wahl, many nieces and nephews and other family members.
Donations to the Menomonie Public Library are encouraged.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Menomonie, is serving the family.