Richard H. Hilgefort, 72, Monterey Drive, Fort Loramie, died Sept. 15, 2006, following an apparent accident at his workshop at 19 E. Park St., Fort Loramie.

He was born Oct. 31, 1933 in Sidney to Henry C. and Lena R. Gaier Hilgefort. On April 11, 1956 he was married at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Osgood, to Joan E. Rethman, who survives.

Also surviving are three sons, Randall (Rita), Farmersville; Steven (Stacey), Fort Loramie and Jason, Rotterdam, Netherlands; a daughter, Jeanne (Robert) Hoying, Fort Loramie; five grandchildren; and a sister, Mary (Cletus) Schmiesing, Fort Loramie and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Henry and Robert Hilgefort.

He retired in 1989 from the Crane Operators Union where he was involved with bridge and highway construction projects in the Dayton and surrounding areas. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, Fort Loramie, where he was an usher. He also was a member of the Minster Fraternal Order of Eagles #1391.

A funeral Mass will be held Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church. The Rev. Steven Shoup will officiate and burial will be in St. Michael's Cemetery.

Calling is Monday, 2-8 p.m. and Tuesday 9-10 a.m. at Gehret Funeral Home, Fort Loramie.

Contributions are to a charity of the donor's choice.