MONROE - Friends, family and colleagues are remembering former state Rep. Steve Hilgenberg, D-Dodgeville, who died Sunday after battling cancer.
Hilgenberg, 66, was elected to the Assembly in 2006 and represented southwestern Wisconsin's 51st Assembly District for two terms. He served as a long-time Dodgeville School Board member, businessman and a high school coach.
State Rep. Howard Marklein, (R-Spring Green), who was elected to fill Hilgenberg's seat after he opted not to seek re-election in 2010, said he was hurt by the news.
Hilgenberg declined to run in 2010, citing health concerns.
"I am saddened to hear of the passing of former Representative Steve Hilgenberg," Marklein said. "Rep. Hilgenberg was a loyal and dedicated public servant who cared about his community in southwest Wisconsin. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."
Hilgenberg lobbied for working farmers, small business and rural community issues.
He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison before enlisting in the Army in 1966. Later he started a printing business.
His wife, Mary Mayo, told The Associated Press the community loved her husband because he was a genuine, approachable man who cared about people. She says he adored his two grandsons and enjoyed life's simple pleasures.
Gov. Scott Walker commended Hilgenberg for his dedicated service.
"Tonette and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Representative Steve Hilgenberg," Walker said. "Representative Hilgenberg served his state for years, both in public office and through his work in the community. His family is in our prayers."
Hilgenberg, 66, was elected to the Assembly in 2006 and represented southwestern Wisconsin's 51st Assembly District for two terms. He served as a long-time Dodgeville School Board member, businessman and a high school coach.
State Rep. Howard Marklein, (R-Spring Green), who was elected to fill Hilgenberg's seat after he opted not to seek re-election in 2010, said he was hurt by the news.
Hilgenberg declined to run in 2010, citing health concerns.
"I am saddened to hear of the passing of former Representative Steve Hilgenberg," Marklein said. "Rep. Hilgenberg was a loyal and dedicated public servant who cared about his community in southwest Wisconsin. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."
Hilgenberg lobbied for working farmers, small business and rural community issues.
He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison before enlisting in the Army in 1966. Later he started a printing business.
His wife, Mary Mayo, told The Associated Press the community loved her husband because he was a genuine, approachable man who cared about people. She says he adored his two grandsons and enjoyed life's simple pleasures.
Gov. Scott Walker commended Hilgenberg for his dedicated service.
"Tonette and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Representative Steve Hilgenberg," Walker said. "Representative Hilgenberg served his state for years, both in public office and through his work in the community. His family is in our prayers."