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July 3, 2023, Mr. Dennis Paul Hilgenberg, 80, of Huntsville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife, Dr. Marjorie Ellen Fitch-Hilgenberg and son, Steven Douglas Hilgenberg, at his side. Dennis and Marjorie both lived in the Chicago area but met while attending the 1987 ILSI meeting in Naples, FL. They returned to Florida to be married on November 4, 1987, in the Jacksonville home of Sally Kay (Fitch) and Dr. K. Larry Jean. After the cake cutting and toast, they ordered pizza. Pizza and champagne have been an anniversary tradition for 35 years. They resided in the Chicago area for 4 years before moving to Bridgetown, MS, just south of Memphis. For the past 23 years, Huntsville, AR has been home where they enjoyed the wildlife in their backyard, some more than others! Dennis was born on July 29, 1942, to Joseph Christopher and Mary Francis (Graham) Hilgenberg in Indianapolis, Indiana. He attended Christ the King and St. Pious X schools. At 8 years, Dennis knew he wanted to be an engineer. After graduating from North Central High School in 1960, Dennis entered Purdue University earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering in 1964. Upon graduation from Purdue, Dennis worked for the McDonnell-Douglas Corporation in St. Louis, MO as a propulsion engineer. Dennis’s first purchase was a 1964 GTO convertible which he loved. He worked closely with the original seven astronauts on the Gemini Space Program and on the original proposal for the F-15 aircraft. He obtained his Master’s of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Missouri, Rolla in 1967. After McDonnell-Douglas, Dennis worked for the Falstaff Brewing Corporation, St Louis; Baxter International, Inc., Deerfield, IL; and G.D. Searle & Company, Skokie, IL. From 1979 - 1991, he served as Vice President of Engineering, later V.P. Technical, for Griffith Laboratories, Alsip, IL. He spent 4 years with Flavorite Laboratories, Horn Lake, MS as Director of Engineering, followed by Planning Director for the City of Horn Lake and V.P. of Operations for Baumer Foods, New Orleans. He worked as facilities manager for the Walton Art Center after moving to Northwest Arkansas when Marjorie joined the University of Arkansas faculty. Dennis operated his antique/collectible business for several years before retiring, He loved music, Andy Williams being his favorite in college. Sinatra, Tony Bennett, the Rat Pack, Beach Boys, Elvis and Willie: he loved them all. He especially enjoyed going to the Little O’ Oprey in West Fork for live music on Saturday nights. Being a Purdue grad and an aerospace engineer were crowning achievements which Dennis remembered until his death. His Purdue cap and t-shirt featuring the F-15 jet were constants as was the photograph of his mom, dad and 2-year-old Denny. His feline companions were dear to him. Tigger II was the perfect support kitty bringing great comfort and joy during Dennis’s illness. Over the years, many cats followed Dennis home to be loved and cared for. He is with them again, receiving and giving love and affection. Dennis is predeceased by his parents. He is survived by wife, Marjorie Ellen; brother, Joseph (Jay) Christopher Hilgenberg II (Sharon); and children, Dennis Paul Hilgenberg Jr. (Miechelle), Steven Douglas Hilgenberg and Elizabeth Ann Hilgenberg. He leaves behind many in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be at the Vaughan Cemetery, Hindsville, on Friday, July 7, at 10:00 AM. He will be buried alongside his best friends, Earl Grigg, Clifton Wood and Howard Boudrey. He has missed them dearly. Services will be officiated by Father Keith Higginbotham, pastor, St. John the Evangelist Church, Huntsville. Honorary pallbearers are Nancy Sue Wood, Sally Kay Jean, Irma Lee Boudrey, Virginia Ann Grigg, Steve Hilgenberg, Jay Hilgenberg, Larry Jean, and A.T. Smith. Burial is under the direction of Brashears Funeral Home and Crematorium, Huntsville. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Paws and Claws Animal Shelter, Huntsville; the Vaughan Cemetery, P.O. Box 372, Huntsville, AR 72740; or Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Rd, Springdale, AR 72762.

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Dennis Hilgenberg

July 29, 1942 - July 3, 2023