Genevieve "Jennie" Hiltner

Our beloved mother, sister and friend Jennie Hiltner, 99, passed away on June 30, 2025 with family at her side and the rising morning Sun glistening in the window. She lived in faith, loved family and shared a feast of life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 3 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport with Rev. Daniel Walz officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Thursday at the church. Christian Women and Goldenaires Senior Citizens will pray a rosary at 5 p.m. Wednesday evening.

Genevieve A. Hiltner was born February 4, 1926 in Freeport, Minnesota to Joseph and Hilda (Borgerding) Overman.

Jennie lived a remarkable life born in the house where she raised twelve children. Jennie, a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Parish in Freeport, was active in her faith and community, sang in choir, shared her stories in Marriage Encounters and led her family in prayer.

Jennie married Smoky in 1946 and they raised their family of eight boys and four girls. She carefully managed the family household budget, guiding the family in supporting each other. She supported Smoky with love and family until his untimely death in 1994. Jennie proudly and with great passion led her immediate family, 20 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren and enjoyed their many accomplishments.

Smoky and the boys built houses in the community, Jennie filled hers with love and her hands. Jennie proudly baked thousands of loaves of bread and made hundreds of quilts. Every family meal included dessert and it was “your choice” for birthdays. Jennie was a master at hosting planned and unplanned gatherings with her siblings, friends and neighbors. Jennie loved playing Bridge and 500 with friends and was fiercely competitive but gracious. She prayed deeply as she watched her many friends and family pass.

Jennie touched the lives of many. She made personal connections with everyone she met. A kind word, a smile, a conversation, she shared life’s goodness and gifts. She shared in our feast of life and we are blessed and thankful for Jennie.

Jennie was preceded in death by her spouse, Smoky and sons Greg, Michael, and Karl, parents, and her siblings Joseph Overman, Ray Overman, James Overman, Mary Harren, Bernice Muske, Fred Overman, Doreen Robillard and Celine Overman.

Jennie is survived by her children; Dave and Joann Hiltner, Ann and Bill Hiltner-Skodje, Lois and Ken Scherer, Jim and Tina Hiltner, Celeste and Jim Johnson, Eric Hiltner, Brian and Jan Hiltner, Jean and Morgan Enowmbitang and Jason Hiltner, their children, spouses and loved ones.