Obituary for Herbert Kilgus
Herbert Kilgus, born 9/25/1930 in Detroit, Michigan, and resident of Johnson City, Tennessee for the last 18 years, was suddenly called home to his heavenly father on 5/8/2020.
He was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Rika Kilgus, brother-in-law, Guenter Salter, brother-in-law, Ernest Salter (Rosie), daughter-in-law, Debbie Kilgus, and grandson Matthew Kilgus.
Herb worked as an engineer for the automobile industry prior to his retirement in 1991, when he and Rika moved to South Carolina to be near son, Mark Kilgus (daughter-in-law Becky), and grandchildren Laura Kilgus Noe (Max) and Matthew Kilgus. With his younger son, Dale Kilgus (Debbie, Lynn Crabtree Kilgus) he also has two grandchildren, Kameryn Grijalva (Brian) and Zachary Kilgus (Lia) and great-grandchildren Gibson Grijalva, Cooper Grijalva, Amelia Baez, and Malachi Kilgus. There are also step-grandchildren Benjamin “Josh” Lewis (Sunshine), Jeremy Lewis (Beth), Sarah Lewis and great-step-grandchildren, Skyler O'reilly, Nate Lewis, and Wesley Lewis.
Surviving Herb are his two sisters Johanna Salter, Eleanor (Jim) Moulton, sister-in-law, Marlene Schmid Ingesoulian (Marty), brother-in-law Ron Salter (Monika), and “My Jackie” Perkins a dear friend.
H.K. played clarinet in college for the marching band at Eastern Michigan University and enjoyed performing in the community bands and Central Baptist Church where he was a member. His accordion playing for family gatherings was highly anticipated and regarded. A man of balanced talents and even temperament, he was uniformly accepting and welcoming of others. Papa was a consistently loving and excellent husband, father, and grandfather. Despite serious health challenges over decades, Herb’s faith, positive demeanor, integrity, determination, and kindness remained fully intact until his passing. He finished well in this life – and now, onward to reunions and life everlasting. Blessed is the person who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
There will be a small memorial service for the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: The Measuring Line church, 805 Asheville Highway, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29303
He was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Rika Kilgus, brother-in-law, Guenter Salter, brother-in-law, Ernest Salter (Rosie), daughter-in-law, Debbie Kilgus, and grandson Matthew Kilgus.
Herb worked as an engineer for the automobile industry prior to his retirement in 1991, when he and Rika moved to South Carolina to be near son, Mark Kilgus (daughter-in-law Becky), and grandchildren Laura Kilgus Noe (Max) and Matthew Kilgus. With his younger son, Dale Kilgus (Debbie, Lynn Crabtree Kilgus) he also has two grandchildren, Kameryn Grijalva (Brian) and Zachary Kilgus (Lia) and great-grandchildren Gibson Grijalva, Cooper Grijalva, Amelia Baez, and Malachi Kilgus. There are also step-grandchildren Benjamin “Josh” Lewis (Sunshine), Jeremy Lewis (Beth), Sarah Lewis and great-step-grandchildren, Skyler O'reilly, Nate Lewis, and Wesley Lewis.
Surviving Herb are his two sisters Johanna Salter, Eleanor (Jim) Moulton, sister-in-law, Marlene Schmid Ingesoulian (Marty), brother-in-law Ron Salter (Monika), and “My Jackie” Perkins a dear friend.
H.K. played clarinet in college for the marching band at Eastern Michigan University and enjoyed performing in the community bands and Central Baptist Church where he was a member. His accordion playing for family gatherings was highly anticipated and regarded. A man of balanced talents and even temperament, he was uniformly accepting and welcoming of others. Papa was a consistently loving and excellent husband, father, and grandfather. Despite serious health challenges over decades, Herb’s faith, positive demeanor, integrity, determination, and kindness remained fully intact until his passing. He finished well in this life – and now, onward to reunions and life everlasting. Blessed is the person who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
There will be a small memorial service for the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: The Measuring Line church, 805 Asheville Highway, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29303