It is with great sadness the family of Mr. Eugene Hilsendager announce his passing on October 22, 2021 at the age of 87 years.

Eugene was born in Scott, Saskatchewan on November 15, 1933 to Cosmos and Elizabeth. They moved to Battleford when he started working for the Co-op when he was a teenager. He worked for the Co-op for the next 18 years. During his time at the Co-op, he became a volunteer fireman in North Battleford. In 1960 he met Jean, and they were married in 1961. Eugene and Jean loved to dance at all of the dance halls around North Battleford. Eugene’s love for dancing never changed as he was always observed busting a move with Jean’s relatives at all of the Oswell weddings or dancing with his grandchildren at Christmas. In 1962, they would have their first child, Brent, and two years later, Craig was born. After having those two boys, they decided that would be enough!

He then moved to a job at the Pool Farm Service, where he worked for 17 years, retiring at the age of 60. He made many friends working with customers and farmers.

Eugene was an avid sports fan and spent many winter nights watching hockey. If he wasn’t at the rink watching the North Battleford Boh’s or Battleford Blues, you might find him watching his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs on TV. Unfortunately, many games were missed as Eugene would turn off the TV and go outside if the Leafs were losing. In the summer, he never missed watching Battleford Beavers Baseball games, as his brother, Don, was a player on the team. The Hilsendager’s made an annual trip to Lacombe, Alberta to see his brother, Don, play. Eugene was also a huge New York Yankees fan. Fortunately, he was able to travel to New York to watch his beloved Yankees play in 2014, which would have been on the top of his bucket list, if he had one.

Those who knew Eugene, knew he took great pride in his yard and kept his vehicles in immaculate condition. He enjoyed travelling and spent many trips travelling around North America with Gwen and Wes. He loved attending family gatherings and reunions, where he could be heard telling long winded stories and sappy jokes.

He also enjoyed volunteering, coaching youth baseball and working in the hockey rink concession with his good friend, Gerald Hardy. In 2006, Eugene and Jean moved to Saskatoon. It was in these later years that Eugene was able to spend hours of treasured time with Dane and Kyra. Eugene enjoyed attending many of their activities, from Dane’s hockey and lacrosse games to Kyra’s dance, soccer and gymnastics. It should be noted that he was often the chauffeur and scorekeeper to some of these events.

Eugene your stories, your card playing and your chauffeuring will all be missed…but most especially your love and hugs.

Eugene is predeceased by his parents: Elizabeth and Cosmos Hilsendager; his in-laws: Mabel and Bob Oswell; and numerous sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

A Celebration of Life was held Friday, October 29, 2021 at the Battleford Legion Hall. Interment will take place at the Battleford Cemetery at a later date in a small private gathering. A special thanks to Bob MacKay and Nicole Welford of Eternal Memories Funeral Services and Crematorium for their help and understanding at our time of loss.

The Hilsendager family would like to thank all those who sent kind words and condolences.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Robert MacKay of Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium.

• Date : 2021-10-22
• Location : Saskatoon, SK