Donald V. Hillegass

May 1, 1943 - January 14, 2015

Donald V. Hillegass, age 71, of Richland Center died Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at Sannes Skogdalen Nursing Home in Soldiers Grove. He was born May 1, 1943 in Ohio the son of Kenneth & Elinor (Woodward) Hillegass. On December 4, 1971 he married Karen Thompson in Akron, Ohio. Donald was a chemist working in the biomedical field and contributed to such advances in technology as the artificial heart. He was a racing enthusiast, a pilot, and an educator. His passion for motorcycles and cars was a love he passed on to his sons and has inspired them to pursue that love in their own lives. His sense of humor was boundless and lives on in his children. Survivors include his wife Karen Hillegass of Richland Center; 5 children Todd (Lisa) Hillegass of Ohio, Nevin (Dena) Hillegass of Richland Center, WI, Grant (Maja) Hillegass of Westby, WI, Kyle (fiancé Amy Kryzenske) Hillegass of Milwaukee, WI, Rachael Hillegass of Minneapolis, MN; 4 grandchildren Thorsten and Viktor Hillegass of Westby, WI, Kayla and Corey Hillegass of Ohio; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Paul Hillegass. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, January 16, 2015 at 6:00 PM at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home in Richland Center with Pastor John Gannon officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday from 5:00 PM until the time of service at 6:00 PM. Burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Bonneville Speedway Museum in Wendover, UT. On line condolences can be made at www.clarymemorialfuneralhome.com