Wanda Hilgeman

Wanda Corrine Hilgeman of Payne, OH, died Monday, April 17, at age 97. She was born Jan. 25, 1926, in French Lick, IN. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth M. R. Hilgeman; her son Kevin Hilgeman, and her daughter Michelle Harp. She is survived by her daughters Kay Sue Head of Payne, OH; and Debra Ann Hilgeman of Gulfport, MS; and by her son Kenneth (Martha) M. Hilgeman of Fort Wayne, and by seven grandchildren and their children.

Wanda grew up in Portland, IN, where she attended high school and married Ken. The family moved to Fort Wayne, and then to Fort Myers, FL. After the deaths of her husband and son Kevin, Wanda moved to Payne and wintered in Gulfport with daughter Debra for more than 25 years.

Until a few months ago, Wanda was an independent, self-sufficient dynamo who rode several miles a day on her bike, worked in her yard, cooked for her family, and rarely slowed down. She worked hard her entire life and set an example for her children that you get what you earn.

Wanda had an adventurous spirit and traveled the world. She also loved going to casinos despite being a notoriously unlucky slot player. People all around her would be hitting jackpots that always eluded Wanda but she never stopped trying. She was always ready to go clothes shopping, and her kids are not looking forward to cleaning out her bulging closets.
Most of all, Wanda loved her family and was always there for them. When age finally caught up with her in May 2022, she moved to assisted living in Payne but it was difficult giving up her independence. She made the best of her situation, as she always did. Finally, her lioness heart couldn't keep beating.

Wanda's children will always remember the beautiful, kind, generous, industrious, loyal, smart woman whom they were fortunate enough to call "Mom."

Wanda's service will be held on Friday, April 21, 2023 at 10:30 AM with viewing 30 minutes prior at Concordia Cemetery Gardens Chapel, 5365 Lake Avenue, Ft. Wayne, IN 46815.

Pastor Monica Kleman of St. John Lutheran Church in Briceton, which Wanda attended for many years, will officiate. 

She will be laid to rest in Concordia Cemetery Gardens. 

Memorials are to the Paulding County Dog Kennel, St. John Lutheran Church in Briceton, or Everheart Hospice. 

Fond memories may be shared at dooleyfuneralhome.com. 

Flowers and other tributes may be delivered to the Antwerp Funeral Home on Thursday from 9-5.