Douglas Hiltgen passed away unexpectedly in his sleep in his family home in Hanford, California on February 5 ^th , 2023, at the age of 71.  Douglas was born on June 14 ^th , 1951, in Linn, Kansas to his mother, Virginia Rose Foster and father Marvin Peter Hiltgen.  Starting at an early age, he helped on his family's small farm and worked any odd jobs he could find.  His work ethic and desire to see the world led him to enlist in the Navy at the age of 18, Douglas proudly served his country for 20 years.

His time in the Navy led Douglas to Lemoore, California, where he met and married his sweetheart, Lynne Bairstow.  They spent a wonderful 43 years happily married and started a beautiful life together.  They had two beautiful children who started the next chapter of his life as, "Papa, Grandpa".

Douglas was an avid hunter and fisherman, but his greatest joy was family. He loved his grandchildren and attending all birthday parties, sporting events and even an occasional tea party.  His grandchildren were his whole world.  Douglas loved teaching them to hunt, fish, and archery.

Douglas spent over 18 years working for the California State Department of Corrections as a System Analysis Technician and was loved and adored by all his peers. He retired in 2016 and since then, had taken up volunteering for T & A Mobile, fixing anything that was broke.  Douglas had a passion for fixing things.  A jack-of-all-trades, he especially enjoyed working on cars, computers, plumbing and fixing things for his neighbors.  His nephews referred to him as "Uncle Gadget."

Douglas was an active and caring man who spent most of his life thinking about others. He always surrounded himself with his friends and family, which is where he felt most comfortable and loved.  Douglas loved to tell stories, and he believed it is our stories that connect and unite us. It is through those stories his family hopes you remember him the most.

Douglas is survived by his wife Lynne Hiltgen, daughter Thiese Freitas, son-in-law Gregory Freitas, son Joshua Hiltgen, daughter-in law, Brandy Hiltgen, grandson Blake Freitas, granddaughter Temperance Hiltgen, grandson Caden Freitas, granddaughter Rowyn Hiltgen, grandson Dean Hiltgen, granddaughter Wrenlee Hiltgen, brother Randy Hiltgen, sister-in-law Sonia Hiltgen, brother-in-law Jack Allen, sister-in-law Sharlene Allen, brother-in-law Rodney Bairstow, sister-in-law Sue Bairstow, and several nephews and nieces and great-nephews and nieces.  At this time, there will be no funeral services held.  Douglas's ashes will be spread in his homestead in Kansas.  A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.  However, the family wishes to extend an open invitation to stop by the Hiltgen House to remember Douglas.

Please sign a guestbook at Yost & Webb https://www.legacy.com/funeral-homes/california/hanford/yost-webb-funeral-care-hanford

Yost & Webb Funeral Care, Hanford, California

GONE FISHING

"If someone should ask for me,
tell 'em heaven is where I'll be.
I've finished all my life's chores,
and now I fish on heaven's shores.

The view is grand and the fishing's great,
but I yearn for you as I wait.
I'll save a spot on the river's bend,
for all those I call family and friend.

But for now, head to the Lake
and make a cast

To all the good times in the past

that you had, with me- your friend,

your grandpa...your dad.

And if the fish no longer bite
or seem no longer worth the fight,
'cause it's me that you are missin',
don't worry - be happy - I've gone fishin'."