Jeanette Evelyn Hilgers

Jeanette Hilgers, 83, passed away unexpectedly on August 14, 2023. She was born January 31, 1940, in Iowa, to her parents Fred and Matilda (Tillie) Zechmeister. She grew up in Gypsum, Kansas and graduated from Gypsum High School. After high school graduation she attended Fort Hays State where she met Ron Hilgers at a New Year’s Eve Party. When she got home after the party, she told her mom that she met the guy she was going to marry. Following her college graduation, Jeanette and Ron were married. They had been married for almost 57 years (just one month short). Jeanette was a teacher in Kansas, Nebraska, and San Diego where she also worked with special ed students before retiring early to travel with Ron. One of her most favorite travel adventures was packing up her family and accompanying Ron to Brisbane, Australia where he worked for a year. Jeanette often spoke of the incredible time they all had “Down Under”.

After retiring, Jeanette remained involved in education, working at the public library, delivering the University City newsletter, and with her church, Our Mother of Confidence, where she taught CCD, was a guild member, did fundraising, and participated in the church’s bowling league. Her hobbies were playing tennis, traveling, going to the movies and going dancing with Ron. In her senior years she enjoyed water coloring and getting manicures. Jeanette loved spending time with friends, celebrating birthdays, and hosting many different events from Ron’s work parties to nights of bridge games. Jeanette always thought of everyone else before herself. She never missed a birthday and always remembered everyone at Christmas time. Jeanette’s favorite time was family time, and she adored her grandchildren, great grandchild, and loved everyone she was close to. Jeanette also had a love for dogs and animals.

In addition to her parents, Jeanette was predeceased by her husband Ron. Jeanette is survived by her son, Fred Hilgers, and his wife Teri; daughter Amy Igou and her husband Dan; grandchildren, Chelsea Hilgers, Kaitlyn Hilgers, Michaela Hilgers and Benjamin Igou; great granddaughter Madilyn Hilgers.

The viewing will be Thursday, September 7th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at El Cajon Mortuary, 684 S. Mollison Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020.

A Mass and Life Celebration will be Friday, September 8th at Our Mother of Confidence Catholic Church (Rosary at 10:00 am, Mass at 10:30 am with a reception following).

The burial at Miramar National Cemetery will be on Friday, September 8th at 2:15pm.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Alzheimer’s Association.