Roger John Hillebrand

BELLEVILLE - Roger John Hillebrand, age 70, of Belleville, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, at Agrace HospiceCare.

Roger graduated from the Police Academy in 1973 and was immediately employed by the Village of Belleville, where he spent the next 39 years serving his community with pride. Roger married his childhood crush, Barb Bergum, in April 1975. Barb happily and proudly supported Roger as they built a great life together in Belleville. A few of Roger’s accomplishments during his years of service have been quite significant, such as the design of Belleville's Police Patch, he was one of the original founders of Belleville's EMS, and alongside his wife, plus many great others, played an integral part in establishing Belleville’s annual Fall Festival.  Roger proudly served three terms as Belleville’s Village President and was a member of Belleville’s School Board for 22 years. Roger was also an instructor at MATC for 20+ years, teaching Police Cadets Firearms and Emergency Vehicle Operation. He was a natural leader and mentor, and we’ve been told that he's played a significant role in many of the lives and careers of those who have worked beside him.

Roger was extremely patriotic. It was not unusual to see his front porch adorned with United States flags on special days or just because he thought it was a good day to display. And he had plenty to display!  Vexillology (study/history of flags) was one of his many interests and hobbies. He turned this hobby into a small business, and sold flags and poles to numerous families and businesses in the area. He also enjoyed going to coin shows with his friend, Tex. He had a keen interest in our nation’s past.

Roger was an outstanding soup maker and cook. He really enjoyed BBQ and was a St. Louis Style BBQ Certified Judge. Every year, he looked forward to being the Head Judge at Smoke in the Valley in Spring Green. This event was particularly enjoyable, because he spent the day alongside his son, brother, and brother in-law.

Of all Roger’s accomplishments, being a husband and father is where he excelled the most. He was a great provider and generous man. Especially when it came to his children and grandchildren. It wasn’t unusual for Roger to catch wind about a project his kids or grandkids were working on, and show up, unannounced, armed with tools and expertise, ready to help. A bonus benefit was that he particularly loved to paint. And he was really good at it!

Roger loved to travel. When his children were young, he and his wife, Barb, would take their family on long summer road trips. He was especially fond of our nation’s National Parks. After his kids were grown, Roger and Barb had the privilege to attend Barb’s father’s USS Houston Ship reunions that were hosted all over the country, in a new location each year. Eventually, their daughter, Nicole, and her husband joined them on these adventures, making wonderful memories and lifelong friends. He also enjoyed going to Montana with his son, family and friends. He loved visiting his cousins in Columbus and Lewistown.  Of course, the highlight of these trips was the search for the mighty Prairie Dog or Columbian Ground Squirrel, for which he had a blast hunting.

Roger attended A LOT of meetings, but when he had free time, he loved going to movies with Barb, having lunch with his brother, Rick, and sister in-law, Debby, watching his grandkids sports and performances, napping on his glorious front porch, cooking dinner with Barb, and inviting anyone, and everyone, who showed up to join them at their table.  In most recent years, he especially enjoyed the time he got to spend with his youngest granddaughter, Charlotte.

Roger is survived by his wife, Barbara (Bergum) Hillebrand; his children, Jonathan (Kari) Hillebrand, Lone Rock, Leah (Nic) Hauser, New Glarus, and Nicole (Jonathan) Brauer, Belleville; grandchildren, Mia Hillebrand, Avery Hauser, Ethan Hillebrand, Zander Hauser, Ashton Hillebrand, Stella Hauser, Ella Hillebrand, and Charlotte Brauer. He is also survived by his many siblings and in-laws, his Police family, and his best friend, Michael Schuchardt. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Virginia (Gini) Hillebrand; infant sister, Karen; in-laws, Harold (Bud) and Nathalie Bergum; mother in-law, Dorothy Bergum; special uncles, Harold and Dennis Norslien; and his aunt, Linda Watkins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. Family and friends who wish to view the Mass via LIVE STREAM may visit Roger’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on the Live Webcast link at 11 a.m. on Thursday. Visitation will be held at the church from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, and also at church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Thursday.
 

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb
Funeral & Cremation Care
500 N. Eighth St.
(608) 437-5077