Emily K. Hilgers

Emily Hilgers, a devoted mother, grandmother, and lifelong helper of others, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family.

She leaves behind her two beloved sons, Jeremiah Hilgers (Angela and Anthony) and Christopher Hilgers (Sarah, Maxton, and Annabelle), who were the greatest joys of her life. Emily’s love for her family was the center of her world, and she took immense pride in watching her children and grandchildren grow.

Emily spent her career in service to others as a social worker for individuals with developmental disabilities. Through her kindness, empathy, and unwavering dedication, she touched countless lives and made a lasting difference in her community.

After retiring, Emily continued to express her love and creativity through gardening and art. She was a talented quilter and watercolor painter, known for her keen eye for color and her ability to infuse warmth and beauty into everything she created. Her handmade quilts and paintings will remain cherished reminders of the care and creativity she shared so generously.

Emily was preceded in death by her parents, James Evanson and Mary Evanson (Hart); as well as her brother, Charles Evanson.

She is survived by her sister, Anna Hoffman; and her brothers, Doug Evanson and John Evanson, along with many extended family members and friends who will remember her with love.
Those who knew Emily will remember her gentle spirit, giving heart, and quiet strength. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished and in the many lives she brightened through both her work and her art.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

The Hilgers family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Sanford Hospice House for their compassionate care and kindness during the final days of Emily’s life.

Memorials on behalf of Emily can be made to the Great Plains Food Bank, Northen Plains Botanical Garden, or Grace United Methodist church.

A celebration of life will be held at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo, ND on April 11th, 2026 from 2:00-4:00pm.

Services

Celebration of Life: Saturday, April 11, 2026 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103

701-237-6441
https://boulgerfuneralhome.com

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Our sympathy to Emily’s family and friends…. Emily showed such great strength, dignity, and positivity throughout this challenge. Fly high, Em!!

  2. My deepest sympathy to Emily’s family and friends. I will miss you garden friend.
    Linda Andeson

  3. Pat Bradford and Tad Suess says:

    Emily will be deeply missed by our family and by every wagging tail that ever wandered into her yard. She wasn’t just a neighbor-she was the kind of person who made a place feel like home. Our dogs and foster dogs adored her, always happy to see her, and loved the attention that she gave them.
    Summer won’t feel the same without seeing her in her garden, tending to her flowers, and making the neighborhood a little brighter with her care and kindness. She was a beautiful soul and the best neighbor anyone could hope for. We were so lucky to live beside her for the past ten years. Her warmth and friendship will always be remembered.

  4. Thinking of Emily’s warm heart and the quiet dignity with which she endured the health storm which buffeted her. May she garden the cosmos with joy eternal.

  5. Dawn, Dan ,Brock&Ryan Gnadt we are thinking of you and your family. Emily was a true friend to my mom .we loved seeing her all the time in her garden and at daycare when she dropped you guys off and always stayed to talk for awhile. Most of mom‘s hosta’s around her house are from Emily. I also have a lot of plants from her. She was an amazing gardener, kind hearted soft-spoken. Chris a great friend of Brock. We loved having you over . We have a lot of video of you and Brock hanging out playing Legos ,basketball , hockey spent a lot of time in the snow and at the lake. very good memories We love you guys Haalands and Gnadt’s

  6. Years and years ago, I worked with Emily. I still remember her kindness, friendliness, professional ism, and dignity. I am so sorry she is no longer here with us.
    Mary Arnholt

  7. Emily was such a light in my life. I got close to her during our time at work and our friendship continued after we both retired We spend many fun times together and we had good talks and she always talked about her boys and grandkids with such love. I loved how creative she was and her passion for the arts. She was such a bright shining star and will be so missed. I adored our friendship and will always treasure. My sympathies to the boys and their families.

  8. She was a FANTASTIC Neighbor & Friend! She also was a OUTSTANDING garder; growing the MOST BEAUTIFUL plants and flowers! We will ALL miss you! RIP: Emily

  9. I had the opportunity to work with Emily for about 10 years and she was an amazing Case Manager! She was also very wise, helping guide me personally at times. Emily was truly beautiful, both inside and out- thoughts and prayers are with you all!

  10. the payment ends – milkweed fairies will keep you company on your journey

  11. liz olday
    I will celebrate her life on 4/11 by going to Buffalo River and sending milk fairies to be with her,


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