Jeanette J. Hilkenkamp (nee Eckelkamp, Hencher) passed away peacefully on Monday, April 24 at St. Anthony’s deGreef Hospice House. She was 85, the daughter of the late Anthony and Veronica (nee Breitenbach) Eckelkamp, and was preceded in death by her husbands Robert Hencher and Eugene Hilkenkamp, her son John A. (Karen Nieters) Hilkenkamp, her brother Willard Eckelkamp and his wife Marge; her brother Vic Eckelkamp and wife Lorraine; her sister Vera Eichelberger and her husband Jack; and her brother-in-law Tom Noll.
Surviving family members include her dear sister and best friend Rosemary Noll; her three devoted daughters Roberta “Bobbie” Wieman (Steve), Cheryl Blume (Chuck), and Julie Hetherington (Chas); 12 grandchildren including Dan Wieman (Bethany), Dave Wieman (Emily), Beth Wieman Schoenekase (Pat), Adam Hilkenkamp (Alex), Gregg Hilkenkamp, Eric Hilkenkamp, Chris Blume, Catie Blume Cox (Jim), Charlie Blume (Michelle), Jill Hetherington, Jamie Hetherington, Jeff Hetherington; 18 great grandchildren whom she loved and treasured dearly, along with numerous nieces, nephews (“Aunt Jenny”), and friends who will all miss her.
Jen was one of the original parishioners of St. Simon the Apostle parish, and still enjoyed getting together with her “church ladies” to play dominoes or canasta, or breakfasts after Mass at Steak and Shake, and she continued to welcome their visits until her passing. She was an avid baseball Cardinal fan, loved going to her grandkids’ sporting events and activities; she enjoyed gardening, needlepointing and baking, especially her famous oatmeal cookies for her grandkids. She also enjoyed traveling as well as her occasional trips to the casino. Jen will be remembered for her thoughtfulness, her sense of humor that provided her with a quick wit and original one-liners. She loved and was loved by many.
Please join us in celebrating Jen’s life at Mass on Saturday, May 20 at St. Simon the Apostle Church, 11011 Mueller Road; family greeting beginning at 10:00am in the church vestibule, Mass at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Anthony’s deGreef Hospice House.