Theodore J. "Ted" Hilgardner

Theodore J. "Ted" Hilgardner, age 70 of Vermillion, died at home on Monday afternoon, October 14, 2019. Theodore Joseph, the son of Theodore A. and Rose (Mrozinski) Hilgardner, was born on July 20, 1949, in South St. Paul. Following his graduation from South St. Paul High School with the class of 1967, Ted was drafted into the United States Army and was later granted an Honorable Discharge. On May 20, 1972, he was united in marriage to Mary Clare Vandergon in New Brighton. Ted was a longtime employee at 3M. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends, especially the annual deer camp trip in Orr with the guys. Ted also loved watching sports, especially baseball and Minnesota sports, and his trips to Treasure Island. Most of all, Ted loved attending his grandchildren's sporting events and time spent at the family cabin in Webster, Wisconsin and at Camp Kirchner. He was preceded in death by his parents; step mother, Marge; and by his half brother, Michael Hilgardner. Ted is survived by his wife, Clare; children, Brian (Cari) Hilgardner, Matt (Nicki) Hilgardner, and Kristina Hilgardner (Tom Handrich); eleven grandchildren; step siblings, Brad and Linda; and by many other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 21, 2019, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Vermillion, with Father Michael Tix officiating. Private family interment will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel in Hastings, and for one hour prior to the Mass at church on Monday. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.