Louis F. Hilgefort, age 86, Ft. Loramie, Ohio, passed away of natural causes at his residence early Monday morning, May 7, 2018.

He was born April 23, 1932, in Fort Loramie, Ohio, to the late Frederick and Cecelia (Dircksen) Hilgefort. On October 20, 1956, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in St. Patrick, Louis married Phyllis A. (Pleiman) Hilgefort who survives.

Also surviving are eight children: Deb & Mike Francis, Janet Hilgefort, Nick & Peg Hilgefort, Vicki & Chris Gasson, Elaine & Tony Drees, Lisa & Nick Boerger, Sue & Ron Rose, Dale & Kelly Hilgefort along with 22 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, all of Fort Loramie; two sisters, Rosemary Heitkamp of McCartyville, Louise Homan of Maria Stein; sisters & brothers-in-law: Jeanette Barhorst, Betty Luedeke, Julia Pleiman, Marlene Rethman and Karen & Ralph Gaier, all of Fort Loramie as well as numerous nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by seven siblings: Hilda Hilgefort, Herbert Hilgefort, Norma & Hugo Post, Verona & Bernard Boecker, Mary Ann & Jerry Heitkamp, Caroline "Kelly" & Wilbur Bruns, Robert & Rita Hilgefort as well as brothers & sisters-in-law: Norbert Heitkamp, Dennis Homan, Alphonso Barhorst, Clifford Luedeke, Carl Pleiman and Elmer Rethman.

Mr. Hilgefort had been retired from dairy farming since 1988. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, St. Michael Knights of St. John, Walk-Up Country Club and the Minster Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was a past member of the Fort Loramie Volunteer Fire Department. Louie loved camping, spending time with his grandchildren, playing cards and front porch visiting.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Thursday, May 10, 2018, at St. Michael Church in Fort Loramie with Rev. Steven Shoup presiding. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery.

Friends may call Wednesday 3:00 to 8:00 PM and Thursday 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Gehret Funeral Home in Fort Loramie.

Memorials may be made to the Fort Loramie Rescue Squad or Fire Department.

Private condolences may be expressed at www.gehretfuneralhome.com.