The Reverend Thomas Eugene Hilger, 79, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, died of complications from congestive heart failure on Tuesday, August 3, 2021. Tom was born February 21, 1942, in Sterling, IL to Clinton Hilger and Mildred “Millie” (Currie) Hilger. Tom graduated from Carthage College in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, IL in 1968 with a Master of Divinity. He was ordained as a pastor in the Lutheran Church of America on May 27, 1968, and retired in April 2008. On July 29, 2018, he recognized the 50th Anniversary of his Ordination, organized lovingly by his late son Mike. On December 27, 1964, he married Karen Louise Dotzert of Virginia, IL. They met playing clarinet in the college band and shared a love of music throughout their entire marriage.
Pastor Tom served the following parishes: Trinity Lutheran in Utica, IL; Redeemer Lutheran in Plymouth, WI; Faith Lutheran in Wichita Falls, TX; St. Paul’s Lutheran and Ware’s Grove Lutheran in Hillsboro, IL; Trinity Lutheran in Hays, KS; Our Lord’s Lutheran in Oklahoma City, OK; St. Luke’s Lutheran in Richardson, TX, and Fjeldberg Lutheran in Huxley, IA. After retirement, he was interim pastor at University Lutheran in Norman, OK; Resurrection Lutheran in Yukon, OK; and St. Mark Lutheran in Midwest City, OK. Outside of ministry and youth ministry, Tom enjoyed gardening, singing, being a 4-H leader, fishing, bowling, and his many beloved dogs.
Tom is survived by daughter Debbie Hilger Blanco (Julio) of Louisville, CO; son Steve Hilger (Sherry) of Lee’s Summit, MO; son David Hilger (Jen) of Norman, OK; grandchildren Gabe, Brooke, Kathryn, Anna, KyAnne, Max, Jake, Shannon, Nathanael, Matthew, and Oliver; a brother, Dan Hilger; brother-in-laws Steve Dotzert (Cindy) and John Dotzert (Lois). Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Karen Dotzert Hilger; his son, Michael Eugene Hilger; his sister, Jill Nailor; and his parents.
Due to the pandemic, a private family memorial service will be held mid-October in Lee’s Summit, MO. Interment will take place at Garner Chapel Cemetery in Virginia, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Dad’s name to your home congregation, or to waysidewaifs.org, a pet rescue organization in Kansas City.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleygeorgegrandview.com for the Hilger family.