KEWANEE- Douglas J. “Doug” Hilgendorf, 84, of Kewanee, passed away peacefully at 9:50 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, at his home.

He was born on April 13, 1942, in Clinton, Iowa, the son of Franklin and Lucille (Rife) Hilgendorf. He married Darlene Scott on January 25, 1964, and had celebrated 62 years of marriage. Survivors include his wife of Kewanee, his son, Franklin (Melissa) Hilgendorf of Carthage, Tenn., his daughter, Lynn Hilgendorf (Steve Louderman) of Victoria, daughter-in-law, Shellie Hilgendorf of Kewanee, a brother, Dave (Becky) Hilgendorf of Clinton, Iowa, two sisters, Judy Long and Joyce (James) Ayers, both of Clinton, Iowa and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother in infancy, two sisters and his son, Kenneth M. “Ken” Hilgendorf.

Doug graduated from Clinton High School in 1960 and attended Clinton Community College. He managed Brown Shoe Fit in Kewanee and later was the publisher for the Kewanee Star Courier. Following retirement, he helped Bob Verheeke with his Christmas Tree Farm. He was a former member of the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce having served as president and receiving Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 2010. He also had been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Kewanee and the Black Hawk East Athletic Foundation. He was a proud contributor to Kewanee Hog Days and was known for his Hog Days at Hilgy’s. Doug was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Green Bay Packer’s fan and a die-hard fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 29 at Saint John Paul II Parish in Kewanee. Celebrant will be Fr. Narcis Katambe. A visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m., Monday, Sept. 28 at Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee with recitation of the rosary at 3:30 p.m. Private inurnment will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Saint John Paul II Church.