David La Vern Hilker
May 24, 1939 - September 22, 2020
Obituary
MADISON - David Hilker, age 81, of Madison, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020, at Meriter Hospital. He was born on May 24, 1939, in Madison, the son of Rodney Hilker and Mabel (Schulz) of Juneau, Wis.
Dave grew up and attended school in Juneau and proudly served four years in the U.S. Air Force. He married Marianne Henriksen on March 29, 1980. Dave was a self-employed carpenter with a wide range of skills and spent many hours woodworking.
Dave was a member of the Juneau EMS and Juneau and Beaver Dam Fire Departments. He loved doing everything with Marianne, together they were spontaneous and adventurous. He loved spending time with his daughters, and loved and adored his dogs. Some of his favorite pastimes were watching the Brewers, Badgers, and the Packers. He also loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, and cooking.
Dave is survived by his wife, Marianne; four daughters, Lori (Ronald) Tolsma, Michele Mays, Christine (Steven) Benson and Sara (Blane) Beebe; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; his father-in-law, Orvil Henriksen; brother-in-law, John (Donna) Henriksen; sister-in-law, Cherry (Richard) Yarwood; sister-in-law, Clara Hilker; and many nieces, nephews and family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Lyle; mother-in-law, Leona (Toots) Henriksen; and brother-in-law, Orvil Henriksen Jr.
A private family service will be held. Friends and family who wish to view services via LIVE STREAM may visit David’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on the Watch Webcast link at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020. An outdoor drive through visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, people may greet the family from the safety of their own vehicle. A celebration of Dave’s life will be held at the HORICON VFW, 735 S. Hubbard St., Horicon, following the visitation, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., on Tuesday. All family and friends are welcome.
May we all remember his beautiful blue eyes, his kind heart, and never-ending smile.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Service
Tue Sep 29, 2020 @ 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
Livestream Event • Livestream via webcast, Fitchburg, WI 53711
Visitation
Tue Sep 29, 2020 @ 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Celebration of Life
Tue Sep 29, 2020 @ 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM CDT
Horicon VFW • 735 S. Hubbard St., Horicon, WI 53032
Photos
No photos of David have been shared yet.
Memories
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Pam Hilker
Other •
I’ve only had happy and many wonderful memories of Dave!! The last very happy memory is when Dave & Marianne were at my son Brent’s wedding to Nicole, on May 10, 2019. He always greets me with a big smile and even bigger hugs!!! Rest peacefully in God’s arms Dave!! With love from, Pam Hilker
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Denise Johnson Walterscheit
Other •
Michelle, it's Denise (Johnson) Walterscheit, (McDees). My heart goes out to you for the sudden loss of your father. I remember going out to Beaver Dam with you, and seeing him a few times. He was so sweet, and such a cute man! Again, my condolences go out to you and all of your family..
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Deborah Wichinski
Other •
My condolences to the family.
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Angel Cruz
Other •
My family & I will always remember Friday fish frys at Alt n Bachs with Dave. He did have the gift of making everyone around him smile. Sending hugs to Marianne and family. Angie Cruz and family
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Renee Roble
Other •
The world has lost a wonderful soul. Rest in peace Dave and I wish I could tell you to behave one more time. Our condolences and sympathy to all of the family.
Renee, Rick, Andrea and Krista Roble