Blanche M. Hilgemann

Blanche M. Hilgemann, 86, Wausau, died Saturday October 11, 2014 at Sylvan Crossing under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. She was born April 24, 1928, in the town of Weston, daughter of the late Thomas and Anna (Goeshel) Ryan. On November 25, 1950, she married Forrest R. Hilgemann at St. Mary Catholic Church, Wausau. He preceded her in death August 22, 1991. Blanche had been employed as a Registered Nurse with the former St. Mary Hospital, Wausau and at the time of her retirement, had grown with the organization as it became Wausau Hospital. She enjoyed baking, flower gardening and taking long walks through the neighborhood, where she was affectionately known as "Gramma Blanche". Special to her was the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. Survivors include her seven children, Mary (Dennis) Dettmering, Deerbrook, Allan (Sue Eschenbach) Hilgemann, Marathon, Ruth (Keith) McElhaney, Wausau, Sue (Robert Buchanan) Hilgemann, Madison, Mark (Sandy) Hilgemann, New Berlin, John (Sandy) Hilgemann, Lake Tomahawk, Paul (Rene) Hilgemann, Hudson; seven grandchildren, Emily and Sarah McElhaney, Kristin, Kaitlyn and Kendra Hilgemann, Audrey and Andrew Buchanan. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one brother, Thomas Ryan. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday October 17, 2014 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. William Grevatch will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street and again on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be a parish vigil service at 7:45 p.m. Thursday at the Sixth Street funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com