Gene E. Hilke

Gene E. Hilke, age 84, of Markesan, WI passed away on Monday, March 31, 2025 at Barrett House in Markesan.

Gene was born in Ripon, WI on April 4, 1940, son of Fred and Lillian (Schultz) Hilke. He graduated from Goodrich High School in Fond du Lac, WI. On June 10, 1961 he married Barbara Willet. Gene worked and retired from Mercury Marine, where he was a machinist for many years. He was also Captain for the Fond du Lac Auxiliary Police; served as a Fond du Lac County Deputy Sheriff; worked for International Paper Co. in Fond du Lac; was an apprentice carpenter; and managed The Elk’s Club in Fond du Lac, where he was basically a jack of all trades, including managing the bowling alley. Gene was a certified Brunswick mechanic and enjoyed maintaining and repairing the bowling equipment. Gene and Barbara owned and operated B&G Sporting in Markesan, which he still ran until his health declined at 84 years old, always with the help of a Doberman. In his free time, Gene was an avid hunter, fisherman, and enjoyed rifle and trap shooting, and woodworking. He took pride teaching anyone who wanted to know how to hunt or fish. Gene was a board member of Central WI Gun Collectors Association for over 20 years. He was also a devoted member of St. John Lutheran Church in Markesan, and read The Bible every morning.

Gene is survived by his sons, Harland “Harley” (Jane) Hilke and James “Jim” (Cindy) Hilke, both of Markesan, WI; two grandchildren, Steven (Ariel) Hilke and Jessica (Nick) Stibb; ten great-grandchildren; many nieces; nephews; and other in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Lillian Hilke; brother, Eddie (Dorothy) Hilke; sister, Auguste “Gustie” (Russell) Schultz; and brother, Lawrence (first wife, RuthMary, and second wife, Lenore) Hilke; and several other in-laws.

A graveside service and committal for family and friends will take place on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Green Lake Center Cemetery, Town of Green Lake, WI, with Pastor Jason Jobs officiating. Memorials in his name may be directed to St. John Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 345, Markesan, WI 53946 or to the Berlin Conservation Club, W898 Whiteridge Rd, Berlin, WI 54923.