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OBIT-Dr. Hilgert

Tribune

Dr. Frederick Logan Hilgert of South Lake Tahoe passed away Feb. 3, 2002, at Barton Memorial Hospital. He was born in Laurel, Mont., Sept. 27, 1921, to Frederick Adam and Edrie Mae Hilgert. He attended the University of Wyoming and later the University of Chicago, where he earned a B.S. degree in biological sciences, graduating with high honors. He went on to attend the University of Chicago Medical School and became a medical doctor in 1945, completing his internship at the Jersey City Medical Center, New Jersey. From 1946 to 1948 he proudly served in the U.S. Army as a medical officer, earning the rank of captain.

Dr. Hilgert carried out his residency in general surgery at several hospitals throughout the South, Midwest and East before coming west and settling in Los Angeles, Calif. He served on several hospital staffs, including Daniel Freeman Memorial, Centinela Valley Community, Crenshaw Center Hospital and Hawthorne Hospital, to name just a few. He met a special nurse during his career in Southern California and was married to Audrey Mae Oberle on Aug. 22, 1958. They subsequently had three children together. Dr. Hilgert moved to South Lake Tahoe in 1975, and performed surgery at Barton Memorial Hospital for another seven years before retiring. During his career he was honored to receive the recognition and high status of becoming a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Throughout his years in Los Angeles and South Lake Tahoe Dr. Hilgert was well known and respected for his skill as a surgeon and his civic-mindedness. He volunteered his time and served on various medical boards and made monetary contributions to hospitals in both communities. Although he never pursued official government patents, his hobby outside his profession was coming up with unique and practical household inventions. He passion was classical music and he was an avid opera buff. For his 80th birthday he recently fulfilled a lifelong dream, when his family presented him with tickets to attend the live concert of Luciano Pavarotti. Dr. Hilgert played both the piano and trumpet, and as a young man he sang harmony in a barbershop quartet. Throughout his life his favorite activity was reading nonfiction and he became very knowledgeable about a wide variety of subjects. To the continued pleasure and entertainment of family and friends he could discuss at length many topics, especially history and literature. He was extremely patriotic and an American history enthusiast. His fascination with the West spurred many family vacations to visit historical sites, ghost towns and geographical landmarks.



Dr. Hilgert is survived by his wife of 43 years, Audrey Hilgert of South Lake Tahoe; son and daughter-in-law Rick and Erin Hilgert of Aliso Viejo, Calif.; daughter Adrienne and her fiancZ Ben Smith of Walnut Creek, Calif.; daughter and son-in-law Dana and Paulo Rangel of Carlsbad, Calif.; and grandchildren Griffin Rangel and Logan Hilgert.

Dr. Hilgert was loved by his family and will be greatly missed by all who knew of his kind heart and his dedication to always do what was right. A memorial service to honor and celebrate his life will be held sometime in the spring.


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