James Leon "Jim" Hilsinger

James L. “Jim” Hilsinger, 78, of South Sioux City, passed away Thursday, August 22, 2024, at a local hospital.

Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, August 29, 2024, at the Mohr & Becker-Hunt Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will be Wednesday, August 28, 2024, from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Jim was born December 10, 1945, in Sioux City, Iowa, the son of James L. Hilsinger Sr. and Lorraine E. (Garrett) Hilsinger. Jim graduated from Central High School in 1965, and joined the Naval Reserves in 1966, being honorably discharged in 1968. 

Jim married Ramona Wieseler in 1970. Together the couple welcomed three children: Laura, Heidi, and T.J. Over their years together the couple traveled all over the world. Some of Jim’s favorite destinations included a month-long trek across Europe where they visited 11 different countries and a memorable family vacation to Hawaii. The couple later divorced.

Jim lived his life caring for others. Through his years of work, he received his licensed practical nursing degree and worked in surgery at St. Luke’s Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital, now Mercy One, and at Green Acres,, now Regency Square. Later, he was licensed by the State of Nebraska and opened his home to mentally challenged adults as one of the first adult dependent homes in Siouxland. Jim also had a passion for family. One of his biggest joys in life was spending time with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and several non biological children who became very close to his heart including Elizabeth, Erick and Tony. Jim volunteered for several years at the Siouxland Family Center where he gained many more life long friends. As his health began to decline and Jim needed more assistance, he came across Barb Wurth, who cared for Jim and assisted him with many daily tasks. Jim was forever grateful for her friendship and care through those years.

In 2020, Jim moved into Regency Square Assisted Living, and it was the best move he ever made. He met some of the sweetest people he would ever know, and with the many hugs and kisses, he found it difficult not to think of it as anything but home. Jim grew to love all the very special people there. He was the president of the Regency Council for almost three years, and helped to resolve many concerns of the residents. He hosted several fun activities such as pizza parties, ice cream socials, and played endless rounds of farkle. The residents looked forward to the fun times shared with everyone.

Survivors include his children: Laura Hilsinger (Patrick) of Dakota City, NE, Heidi Hilsinger (Jake) of Lyons, NE, and T.J. Hilsinger (Danielle) of Bancroft NE; eight grandchildren: Chevaya, Kiarra, Zoie, Hudson, Hunter, Ella, Emilyn, and Jolee; three great grandchildren: Jamison, Sophie, and Finley; and a sister Pauline Groetken (Cyril) of Yankton, SD. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters: Barb Loker, Bev Treglia, and Patty O’Neil; two brothers: William and Robert Hilsinger, and a great granddaughter, Addyson.

Jim survived many surgeries and lived with chronic pain for many years, but through all of his hardships, he felt a closeness to our Lord and Savior. Although we are sad to say goodbye, we find comfort in knowing he is now with our Lord.