Jerry Hilgerson

Jerry Clarence Hilgerson, 65, of Waukon passed away July 21, 2024, peacefully in his home with his wife and family by his side. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 12 from 2-5 p.m. at the Waukon Event Center on Rossville Road, Waukon.

Jerry was born September 13, 1958, to Clarence and Bernice (Sampson) of Winneshiek County. September 25, 1976, Jerry married the love of his life, a woman that just adored him, Debra Ehde. They had two sons, Jeremy and Ryan. Jerry worked for the Postville Co-op for at least 23 years or more before he retired from the Waukon Feed Ranch.

Jerry really enjoyed riding horses through the trails of Yellow River Forest and stopping at Indian Kitchen for a beer with his friends and family as much as possible. He loved being around people, especially the people he cherished the most like his devoted wife, grandkids, extended family, and his friends. He always greeted people with a smile and was proud to shake your hand.

Jerry was a very positive, happy, loving man who wasn’t afraid to tell you what was on his mind. Many, many people grew to know and respect him for who he was.

Surviving Jerry is his wife, Debra Hilgerson of Waukon; his sons, Jeremy (Christine Kamstra) Hilgerson of Elgin, and Ryan (Amber Jones) Hilgerson of McGregor; eight grandchildren, Jenna (Jose Martinez) Hilgerson of Clermont, Hailey (Ryan Wettleson) of Elgin, Kenton Hilgerson of McGregor, Clara Deeny of Waukon, Cayden Kruger of Waukon, Kayci Kamstra of Elgin, and Grace Palas and Chesney Vorwald of McGregor; two great-grandchildren, Julian (6 years) and Izan (3 months) Martinez of Clermont; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert (Ruth) Hilgerson of St. Olaf, Dean (Alyce) Hilgerson of Clermont, and Roger (Ida) Hilgerson of Elgin.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father and mother, Clarence and Bernice Hilgerson; and his father-in-law and mother-inlaw, Leo and Pearl Ehde.