Betty Hilke

Elizabeth "Betty" A. Hilke, 83, of St. Charles, MN passed on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Olmsted Medical Center in Rochester, MN.
Elizabeth Ann Brighton was born on May 27, 1937, in Toledo, OH to John and Clara (Burke) Brighton. She moved with her family to Texas and later to St. Charles where she graduated from High School. After graduation she moved with her parents to St. Louis, MO where she worked in a Doctor's office and then as a stewardess for Braniff Airlines. On her many travels back to St. Charles to visit relatives she met the love of her life Gordon Hilke. On December 29, 1962, Betty and Gord were united in marriage where the groom learned during their vows that her real name wasn't Betty but Elizabeth. Betty and Gord made their home in St. Charles where they welcomed their 2 children, Kimberly and Quinn. Betty worked as a nursing assistant at the St. Charles Manor nursing home and waitressed at the Cottage Inn. Later she worked at Mayo Clinic in the X-ray Department, and retired after 20 years. She was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and the Rosary Society. Betty was a Girl Scout leader and was head of the Women of the Moose in St. Charles. She also was a huge Notre Dame and Minnesota Vikings fan.
Betty was an outgoing woman who loved to be surrounded by people. She had a spitfire attitude and was always up for a good time. She will be missed by many.
Betty is survived by her children Kim (Mark) Fenske of St. Charles and Quinn (Lisa) Hilke of Cannon Falls, MN. Her five grandsons who meant the world to her Alex Fenske of Chatfield, MN, Chet Fenske of St Charles, MN, Blake, Peyton and Owen Hilke from Wanamingo, MN, a brother Douglas (Lois) Brighton of St. Charles, MN, and many special nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Gordon, parents John and Clara Brighton and in-laws Frank and Margaret Hilke.
There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am on Friday, March 19th at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in St. Charles with the Reverend Timothy Biren officiating. You may view the Mass by live stream at www.redeemersaints.org. The visitation will be one hour prior to the services on Friday at the church. Burial will be in Saratoga Cemetery in Saratoga, MN. Hoff Funeral Service in St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements. Please leave a memory of Betty and sign her online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com