Cleo Duane Hiltgen

Cleo Duane Hiltgen passed away on June 5, 2016 at his home in Mankato, Kansas at the age of 86. Cleo was born November 1, 1929 to Peter and Katherine (McCarthy) Hiltgen at home near Kimeo, KS. Cleo grew up on a farm south of Greenleaf, Kansas. At the age of 3, Cleo was in a farm accident, losing both his hands and his left foot. This did not stop him from living a normal life.

Cleo attended Spencer School, south of Greenleaf for 8 years and graduated as Valedictorian of Washington County. He graduated Greenleaf High School in 1947 and worked in his family’s restaurant until he attended Kansas State University. Cleo achieved a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Administration at Kansas State University in January 1954.

He married Geneva Maxine Myers August 19, 1950 and moved to Mankato, KS in 1955. To this union a son and four daughters were born. Cleo worked for Farm Bureau Insurance for 26 years and opened his own private insurance practice in 1981 until he retired in 1986. After retirement, Cleo went in to farming and raising cattle, and most enjoyed riding his horses. Cleo’s other passions were watching NASCAR races, K-State sports and visits from his children and grandchildren.

Cleo was a member of the Lions Club, City Council and also served on the board of the Jewell County Hospital.

Cleo is survived by his wife Geneva of 65 years and five children, son Cary and wife Lisa of Edmond, OK, daughters Jeanette Howard and husband Brian of Edmond, OK, Jeanine Mayes Hiltgen and husband Gary Mayes of Mankato, KS, Beverly Alexander of Tampa, FL, and Pamela Mueller and husband Scott of Gardner, KS; 12 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and two brothers, Robert Hiltgen of Greenleaf, KS and Kenneth Hiltgen of Frankfurt, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and three sisters.

A celebration of life mass will be (was) 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 9, 2016, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Mankato, Kansas, with Father Damian Richards officiating. Vigil service will be (was) at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at the Melby Mortuary Chapel, Mankato, Kansas. Casket bearers will be (were): Robbie Smullins, Kevin Howard, Landon Alexander, Kenny Mizner, Jacob Dettmann, and Lonnie Myers. Honorary casket bearers will be (were): Wayne Dunn, Brent Beck, Ron Simon, Gerald McAtee,and Jim Gillett. Cleo will be laid to rest at the Hiltgen Family Cemetery (Windy Hill) following the services. The family suggests memorials to: Solomon Valley Hospice, Beloit, Kansas, or Angel Care of Salina, Kansas. Online condolences can be left at: www.melbymortuary.com. Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of service arrangements.