Mary F. Hilgart

GRAFTON - Mary F. Hilgart (formerly Engelbrecht) passed away peacefully on December 19, 2019 at Vista Pointe Assisted Living in Menomonee Falls, WI. Mary was born on January 28, 1932 in Grafton to the late John and Hedwig (Hattie) Hilgart. Cherished by her daughter, Kathleen Walkner (nee Engelbrecht); her son-in-law, Thomas Walkner; grandsons, Clinton (Courtney) and Craig Walkner; and her great-grandchildren, Sawyer and Hadley. She is further survived by her sisters Mercedes “Mitzi” (Donald) Proefrock and Jacqueline Jacobs, and her brother Joseph (Linda) Hilgart. She was preceded in death by sisters Patricia (Edwin) Tillman and Dolores (Robert) Treat. She is additionally survived by nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Mary attended St. Joseph School in Grafton, graduated from Grafton High School and completed numerous college level business courses at MATC-North in Thiensville and Moraine Tech in West Bend, WI. She had a diversified career as an executive secretary at Enercon and as an executive secretary and buyer at both Tecumseh Products and Exacto Spring, all in Grafton, WI. In addition, at one time, she held a real estate license and worked part-time in real estate sales. Her family and friends enjoyed her enthusiasm, sense of humor, and vibrancy. Her immediate family called her “Our Tornado” because of her endless energy. She was frequently planning and organizing family events to “keep the family together” which she had promised to Grandma Hattie. She always took pleasure in bowling, golfing, playing cards, and socializing with friends and neighbors. She joined the Red Hatters in Port Washington and Grafton to expand her social contacts. She delighted in the competition of the Red Hatter’s float in the Port Fish Days Parade. Friendships were extremely important to her. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church her entire life. Special thanks and appreciation to the staff at Vista Pointe for the care and services they provided. Visitation will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1619 Washington Street in Grafton on Saturday, December 28, 2019 from 9:30AM to 11:30AM with a memorial mass at 12:00 (noon). If so desired, contributions may be made to St. Joseph Parish School in Grafton, WI or Katy’s Kloset in Waukesha, WI.