Eugene C. Hilke, age 95, a resident of Two Rivers, formerly the town of Kossuth, entered eternal life on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at Northland Lodge in Two Rivers.

Eugene was born on December 22, 1921 in Manitowoc. He was the son of the late Peter and Angeline Novak Hilke. Eugene attended the Manitowoc Public School System and continued his education at local vocational schools. He served his country with the United States Army from January 1, 1940 to his honorable discharge on June 29, 1945. During that time Eugene served overseas during World War II in New Guinea in the Southwest Pacific Theatre. He received two bronze battle stars, Purple Heart, and combat infantry badge. Eugene was employed with Rahr Malting and Anheuser Busch for 38 years retiring on January 1, 1984. On July 23, 1945 he married Alice Green at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Manitowoc. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans. Eugene was an avid gardener and his passion included fruit trees and bonsai trees. Eugene and his wife Alice loved to fish out on Lake Michigan and were well known for their tasty home smoked fish.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years: Alice; five children: Jean Schaefer, Highland Ranch, CO; Joan (Frank) Harmacek, Chetwynd, British Columbia; Dave (Sue) Hilke, Two Rivers; Erik Hilke, Manitowoc; Dennis Hilke, Manitowoc; seven grandchildren: Stuart Schaefer, Scott Schaefer, Erin (Greg) Daniels, Jessica (Casey) Maye, Justin (Tanya) Harmacek, Joseph (Jacqueline) Hilke, and Colleen (Trent) Machut; six great grandchildren: Walker Maye, Hunter Maye, Brook Harmacek, Kay Lee Harmacek, Gabriella and Benjamin Hilke; daughter-in-law: Karen (Donald) Draxler with their children, Evan, Aaron, and Sarah; along with other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Peter and Angeline Hilke; son: Dean Hilke; brother and sister-in-law: Lester and Georgianna Hilke; sister: Gina Vetter.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Relatives and friends may call at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. Following the funeral services there will be a luncheon for relatives and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the funeral home. Entombment will take place at Knollwood Mausoleum. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.