Donald Karl Hilsberg

Don was born on November 18, 1935, in Austin, Texas to Charlie F. and Margaret Hilsberg. Baptism took place in 1936 followed by confirmation in 1950 at St Paul Lutheran church when it was still located on 16th Street in Austin.

Mr. Hilsberg attended Robert E. Lee Elementary, University Jr. High and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School. He also attended the University of Texas at Austin. Don worked as a draftsman at the Texas Highway Department for over 40 years, before retiring to help his wife, Jean, homeschool their four grandchildren.

In 1954, Don married Ruth Fowler. Four children came from this marriage: Donald Charles (Curt), Leonard Scott, Kerri Elaine (Teena) and Vicki Renee (Matt). After Don’s divorce from Ruth, he married Helen Jean Wagner (née Prosise) on July 20, 1973. Jean passed on May 17, 2023. Don and Jean were just shy of their 50th wedding anniversary.

Together, Don and Jean raised her two children: Teri Alliston (Meredith) and Wes Wagner (Lahona).

Don is survived by his four children, granddaughter Brandi; two stepchildren, eight step-grandchildren and ten step-great grandchildren, plus his younger brother David (Penny) and numerous nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his older brother Paul (Nancy).

While a member of St. Paul Lutheran in Austin, Don was active as an Elder and served on many Boards for the church over the years. Additionally, Don was a member of the Austin Saengerrunde for over 65 years, enjoying singing in the Maennerchor.

Memorials may be made to the Alter Guild of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Austin or the Don and Jean Hilsberg Foundation at Concordia University.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishsouth.com for the Hilsberg family.