Jacob “Jake” Tyler Hilger
Jacob “Jake” Tyler Hilger, 30, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Eau Claire.
Jake was born Aug. 7, 1993, at St. Joe’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls, to Billy Jo (Williams) Anderson and Craig Hilger.
He graduated from Cornell High School in 2011. Jake continued his education at UW-La Crosse and graduated with a bachelor’s of science, emphasis in biology and chemistry in 2015. Throughout his college career, he participated in the UW-La Crosse archery team.
Jake worked as a reproductive technician with ABS Global. He was recently recognized for being the No. 12 salesman in Northern America. He was known locally with the farmers as having the “golden arm,” because of his dedication to his profession.
He meet the love of his life, Stephanie “Steph” “Tina” Hilgart, in 2019. They started together in Wausau, and continued their journey to Cornell, where they were doing endless projects, making a house into their home.
Throughout their relationship, they loved spending time together, hunting, fishing and anything else outdoors. They enjoyed many hobbies together, with their three dogs.
Jake and Stephanie got engaged Jan. 2, at Gooseberry Falls, Minn., and were planning a wedding for June of 2025.
Throughout Jake’s life, he enjoyed literally everything outdoors, and anything with a motor you could tinker or tamper with. Some of his hobbies were hunting, fishing, trapping, shed hunting, snowmobiling, making firewood, planting trees, spending time on the farm and anything on the water.
Jake loved hanging out with his friends. He harvested many wall hanging bucks, because of his dedication, passion and his “eagle eyes.”
He was part of the Cleveland Trail Mates Snowmobile Club. Jake also enjoyed wheeling and dealing on Facebook Marketplace.
Jake loved spending time with family and friends, and everyone had their own “Jake” nickname.
He is survived by his fiancée – Steph Hilgart; three dogs – Tikka, Casper and Ellie; mother – Billy Jo Anderson (Jake Johnson); grandma – Judy Williams (Max Potter); grandpa – Robert (Joanne) Williams; father – Craig Hilger; grandparents Doug and Sandy Hilger; siblings – Brandon, Bryce, Brooke, Allyson and Caleb; and numerous aunts; uncles; cousins; and other relatives and friends.
A special thank you to all the first responders, Cornell Area Ambulance Service, Cornell Area Fire Department, Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department, Chippewa County paramendics, Mayo Clinic Health Systems staff, and the UW-Organ and Tissue staff.
We also thank Jake for his heroic contribution to donate his organs and tissue to “Donate Life, UW-Organ and Tissue.”
Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m., Friday, July 12, at Borton-Leiser Funeral Home in Cornell. A visitation will also be held at 10 a.m, one hour prior to the funeral service, Saturday morning, at St. John’s Lutheran Church Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 13, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cornell, with Pastor Chris Christenson officiating.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.bortonleiserfuneralhome. com. Borton-Leiser Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family.
