Doreen "Digger" Hilzendeger

Doreen Hilzendeger, 70, affectionately known as Digger to all who knew her, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025, in Bismarck, after a courageous battle with dementia.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, Feb. 24, at Church of the Ascension, 1825 S.3rd Street, Bismarck. 

Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 PM, Sunday, Feb. 23, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. A rosary/vigil will begin at 6:00 PM. 

Burial will be held at St. Philip Neri Catholic Cemetery, Napoleon this spring. 

Digger was born in Bismarck, ND, on March 1, 1954, to Valentine and Magdelena (Piatz) Hilzendeger of Napoleon, ND. The youngest of the three daughters, she was spoiled but made sure to keep her five younger brothers in line. She graduated from Napoleon High School and went on to college. Digger received her Commercial Arts Degree at NDSCS and her Teaching Degree from Valley City State College. While attending Valley City State, she was given the nickname “Digger” by her fast-pitch softball team. She accepted her first teaching job in Drake, ND, thinking this would be her “starter home,” but as she fell in love with the community it became her “forever home.” She taught and coached there for 35 years. Digger continued to substitute teach and coached regularly after retiring.

She went above and beyond as a teacher and coach, encouraging all of her students and players. She made sure that they knew she believed in them. Digger never expected them to be the best, but always to give their best. She became known as the only female high school football announcer in the state and many joked she didn’t need the microphone to be heard. Making her mark in the softball community, she became known for her many accomplishments over the years. These included multiple state and regional titles, a National Championship Title, and a National Tournament MVP Award. She was inducted into the NDASA Hall of Fame in 1999.

Her previous accomplishments were outstanding on their own, but becoming an aunt was her greatest of all. We were all shocked to find out her name was, in fact, not Digger, but Doreen, which we all agreed didn’t sound nearly as cool. She stayed Digger to us, forever. She loved all of us as if we were her own and made each one of us feel like we were her favorite. She traveled many miles to cheer us on in our activities. We always knew when Aunt Digger was in the stands. She was the fun aunt, doing anything to make us smile. We will miss her deep belly laugh and huge smile, always followed by a bear hug. God knew our family needed a Digger. We only hope to be half the person she was to us. We love you, Digs!

Though she will be deeply missed by all of us on Earth, we find peace knowing she ran into the arms of Jesus at Heaven’s Gate with her same huge smile and bear hug. Our lives have gotten a little quieter, but we are so thankful for the many years we were blessed to call her ours. Heaven is so lucky to have her.

Digger is survived by her siblings, Tina Tweeter, Rhonda (Ted) Hartung, Kevin (Kathi) Hilzendeger, Delaine Hilzendeger, Tom (Kristi) Hilzendeger, and Bruce (Joan) Hilzendeger. 

The lights of her life, her nieces and nephews, Christopher and Patrick Tweeter, Jill Dworshak, Father Greg Hilzendeger, Austin (Dani) Hilzendeger, Alex Hilzendeger, Brennan and Hailey Hilzendeger, Lexie (Brent) Allen, Ashlee Hilzendeger, Tori (Lucas) Kaczmarek. 

Great-nieces and nephews, Alexa and Fynlee Tweeter, Lyla, Navy Rose, Steel, and Mesa Allen, Renner Kaczmarek.

Digger is preceded in death by her father, Valentine, her mother, Magdelena, her brother, Greg, and her brother, James, who died in infancy.

Thank you to the Drake community for embracing our Digger as one of your own!

A special thank you to the Edgewood Memory Care Unit for treating her like family these last three years. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The Drake/Anamoose Sports Boosters or Drake Dollars for Scholars, PO Box 34, Drake, ND, 58736, Attn: Treasurer