We are sad to announce the passing of Jeffrey Louis Hilgert, age 73 on July 17, 2022.

Jeff passed from complications of living a great and well-rounded life.  Jeff was best known as a drummer starting his career in the Eau Claire Boys Drum and Bugle Corps (Burlington Express, Crystal Sunshine, The Curt Super Band, Not Guilty, Wolves at the Door, Paul Tweed Band, The Valkays, James Faithfula and many more) but he enjoyed many other activities including: travel, hiking, baseball, mountain biking, downhill skiing, photography, fishing, and music festivals.

Jeff was the only child of Louis and Lucile (Lucy Shoemaker) Hilgert, whom predeceased him.  He reluctantly leaves behind his Partner, Kari Fischer, and all her family (fondly known as Bumpa’s by her grandchildren), his ex-wife Joanne and their dog Thule, his step brother Thomas (Marlene) Lee (Eau Claire, WI) and many friends in California, Wisconsin and around the world.

Jeff was not alone at his passing being comforted by their cats: Iris and Sophie and Kari his partner. Listening to Moody Blues- Tuesday Afternoon. And his belief in a better after life.

Many thanks to all the friends and family who were with Jeff during the last months of his illness.  Special thanks to Heartland Hospice, St, Croix Hospice and Midwest Medical, Marshfield Hospital and the Mayo Hospital doctors and staff.

A Celebration of Jeff’s life is planned for Saturday, May 6, 2023 at the Moose Lodge in Eau Claire, WI (1-11 pm). Come ready with your dancing shoes, your appetite, a great story (written or verbal) and or a photo of Jeff.  We plan on celebrating, “Hilgert Style”.  Any questions please direct them to Kari via email: hilgert555@yahoo.com or his FB messenger.

A pre-event is scheduled for Friday, May 5th (meeting at Big Falls and then convening at The Joynt).

It’s ok to grieve

Because in grieving we are cherishing a cherished life

A life that cherished living

That living and dying are not ours to own

They are gifted to us and others

The moments of life and living are an internalized emotion of reality in our own perception

Of the expectation of the moment, we let go

To a new life or death

Are we amazed at the moment of our end here?

Are we sad?     Relieved?     Happy to move onward?

Because at that moment we:  Let Go

Let our moment be the second passage of transition that we journey through just as birth was our first passage.

Not alone; but without choice or control

We let go of controlling the moment

We are…

We are….

We were to others

We are free to float once again in the comfort of not knowing

This is as the passage from birth to death.

By Kari Fischer