Francis W. Hilbert, 77, of Mayville, was called Home to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 13, 2012.
He was born on January 25, 1935 in Mayville to the late Nicholas and Helen (Rudinger) Hilbert. He attended St. Mary's grade school and graduated from Mayville High School. On June 16, 1956 he was united in marriage to Margaret Mayer at St. Andrew's Church in LeRoy. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mayville.
Francis retired from his position as a punch press operator at Mayville Engineering Co., and was formerly employed as a dairy commodities grader for the USDA, and at Purity Cheese Co., Mayville. He loved to design and tinker, both for hobbies and for projects around the house. His model trains and elaborate train villages eventually outgrew the basement and moved outside to garden scale models. He and Margaret created a lush garden oasis for the train. That garden grew and changed yearly, and was a true joy for Margaret and him to work on.
Francis was diagnosed with cancer four years ago. Last year he started receiving care from St. Agnes Home Hospice, and then he and Margaret moved together to the Mayville Nursing Home, giving them a wonderful fuller life with both old and new friends. Francis wished to thank all of his caregivers for all they have done for him.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret; five children, Helen Hilbert of Oshkosh, Barbara (Robert) Brummond of Honeoye Falls, NY, John Hilbert of Mayville, Rosemary (Jeff Norman) Hilbert of Milwaukee, and Joseph Hilbert of Mayville; two grandchildren, Mary Rose (Garth) Lester of Newfield, NY, and David Brummond of Honeoye Falls, NY; a sister, Helen (Roy) Reabe of Waupun; three brothers, Edward Hilbert and James Hilbert of Mayville, and Alfons Hilbert of Sturgeon Bay; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Margaret Hilbert and Laura (Edward) Wagner; and two brothers, Nicholas Hilbert and William Hilbert.
A Mass of Christian Burial in remembrance of Francis will be held on Wednesday, September 19 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mayville. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in Mayville. Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Mass.