OBITUARIES

1933-2018

Paul W. Hilgner of Lansdale; Thomas Woloski.

Paul William “Bill” Hilgner, 85, of Lansdale, formerly of Lakeland, FL, passed away April 16, 2018. He was the loving husband of 37 years to Doris E. (Vincent) Hilgner.

Born February 14, 1933, in Hatfield, he was the son of the late Otto and Mae (Hendricks) Hilgner.

Bill received his graduate degree from Quaker City School of Aeronautics, Philadelphia. From there, he became a well-respected aircraft mechanic, initially working for United Airlines. Later, he was the coowner and operator of the Montgomeryville Airport for many years. In 1980, Bill moved to Florida and opened a mechanical shop at the South Lakeland Airport in Mulberry, FL. He was also a mechanic at the Mt. Pocono Municipal Airport during his retirement years. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the Air Force.

He was a member of Scott Lake Baptist Church, Lakeland, FL. Along with his wife, he spent summers in their home in the Poconos and spent winters at their home in Lakeland, FL. Bill enjoyed midget car racing, both restoring and racing. He was a member of the Atlantic Coast Old-timers Racing Club and the Daytona Antique Auto Racing Association. He also was an avid fisherman, and he will be remembered for his gifted ability to fix anything mechanical.

Along with his wife he is survived by three stepsons, Douglas Renner (Donna) of North Wales, John Renner (Madalen) of Hatfield, and Gary Renner (Eileen) of Green Lane: siblings, Eileen Landes (Merle) of Telford, Byron Hilgner (Nancy) of Montrose, PA, and Larry Hilgner of Harleysville; 7 grandchildren, Mary Lynn, Jessica, Aaron, Ryan, Stephen, Kristen and Kirk; two great grandchildren, Maxwell and Maddalena; and sister-in-law, Mary Hilgner.

He is preceded in death by a brother Lloy Hilgner.

A Celebration of Life Service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2018, at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 615 Cowpath Rd., Lansdale, PA 19446, with a time for fellowship following the service. For those attending please arrive at the church between 10:30 and 11:00 a.m. There will be no formal calling time prior.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106, or a charity of their choice. Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, Lansdale, is handling arrangements.