Geneva Maxine Hiltgen

Geneva Maxine (Myers) Hiltgen passed away on January 9, 2025, at her daughter’s home in Gardner, Kansas at the age of 94. Geneva was born on November 5, 1930, to Harold and Florence Myers in Morrowville, Kansas. Her childhood was largely spent in Kansas, with a few years in Colorado. She graduated from Linn High School in 1948.

Geneva married Cleo Duane Hiltgen on August 19, 1950, and the couple moved to Mankato, Kansas, in 1955. This union was blessed with a son and four daughters. Geneva was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished time spent with her family. She was active in her children’s school classrooms and room mother for all five children.

She enjoyed reading, quilting, crocheting, and sewing. Geneva found joy in sewing all of her children’s clothing, wedding dresses, and making afghans and quilts for each of her children and grandchildren. Her other passions were gardening, cooking, playing bingo and cards, watching Alaska shows, Christmas movies, and traveling to see her family. Geneva was a member of the St. Theresa Catholic Church in Mankato, and served her community for many years through volunteering at the Jewell County long-term care center.

She is survived by her five children; son Cary (Lisa) of Edmond, OK; daughters Jeanette Howard (Brian), Edmond, OK; Jeanine Mayes Hiltgen (Gary), Mankato, KS; Beverly Alexander, Altamonte Springs, FL, and Pamela Mueller (Scott), Gardner, KS; as well as 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was so loved and will be missed by her family and friends, both near and far.

Geneva was preceded in death by her husband, Cleo, her parents, and her five younger siblings LaVern, Fern, Mary Lou, Jimmy, and Harold.

Geneva’s graveside service will be held on Wednesday, January 15th at the Hiltgen Family Cemetery (Windy Hill). Casket bearers will be her 12 grandchildren and their spouses. In honor of Geneva, the family suggests memorials be made in her name to family members that are battling cancer, Addie Jo Voelker (Venmo: @AddieVoelker), age 8, and Trace Alexander (Venmo: @TraceAlexander09), age 15. In addition, memorials can be made to the Solomon Valley Transportation (SVT) service in Beloit, KS, and the Mankato UTE Theater.

A visitation with family greeting friends will take place at Melby Mortuary on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with a Rosary being prayed at 10:30 a.m.