Clifford M. Hilberg

lifford "Jake" M. Hilberg, age 82 of Iron River, MI, died Thursday, November 19, 2009 at the Iron River Care Center, Iron River. Born: November 9, 1927 in Stambaugh, MI The son of the late Carl and Siama (Hendrickson) Hilberg attended the Central School and graduated from Iron River High School in 1945. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving during WWII and later was a member of the Michigan National Guard, Iron River. He was an Iron River volunteer firemen since 1949 and a full time fireman for the City of Iron River for seven years. He transferred to the City Street and Water Department for 25 years as foreman. He was later employed by the University of Michigan Forestry Camp at Camp Filbert Roth at Golden Lake for the next 21 years, retiring in 1990 as maintenance Supervisor. Jake married the former Wilma Kruzich on September 2, 1950 at St. Mary's Rectory in Gaastra. The couple were lifelong residents, making their home in Iron River. They celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 2000 and their 59th anniversary this year. He was a member of the Iron River Fire Department, American Legion Alfred Branchini Post #17 and the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 69 of Caspian. Jake was a family man who also enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, and being in the woods cutting firewood. He is survived by his wife, Wilma Son, Thomas (Lisa) Hilberg of Alpena, MI Daughter, Janet (Tim) McCann of Eau Claire, WI Three grandchildren; Derrick Hilberg Christina and Matthew McCann Brother-in-law, Ernest Kruzich of Caspian Sister-in-law, Vera Otis of Ashland, WI Nieces and nephews He was also preceded in death by an infant daughter Barbara, grandson, Bradley Thomas Hilberg, brother George Hilberg, and sister Eileen LeClair. Visitation: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River. The firemen of the Iron Range Firemen's Association will attend the visitation at 10:00 a.m. Funeral Service: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River, with Rev Norman Clisch to officiate. Interment: Resthaven Cemetery, Iron River The West Side Veterans will accord Military Rites. The family suggests memorial donations to the Northstar Health System, American Heart Association, or charity of choice. Funeral arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River.