Joseph C. Hilfiker

March 31, 1959 – January 31, 2021

Joseph C. Hilfiker loved his lands where he watched the eagles fly, hunted deer, and fished. On January 31, 2021, at the age of 61, Joe met up with his sons, Zac and Joey. His kind, gentle spirit is carried on by his sons Chris and Andrew, who consider him their best friend.

Joe adored Tammy, his wife of 37 years. They had so many amazing breathtaking days. They taught us how to love, work, play hard, how to stand side by side, hand in hand to enjoy life and face the difficult days. Family, friends, friends of friends, and soon-to-be friends found their home open and welcoming to all. It is a home of kindness without judgement, covered in love.

Joe loved every minute of family life and was honored to have four generations in his home. He cherished his grandchildren Abi and Wyatt, and he loved and compassionately cared for Anna McCord, his mother-in-law and friend. His home was also a sanctuary to a wide variety of animals. Joe raised fallow deer, white tail deer, elk, Angus cattle, goats, dogs, and even one cat.

Joe’s great passion for the outdoors and adventure has left us rich with memories. The nieces and nephews, along with their friends, enjoyed 5 a.m. mornings on the lake fishing with Uncle Joe, afternoons riding four-wheelers with Joe’s smile and encouragement, and evenings camping with laughter. He was a natural teacher, coach and mentor. Joe taught both professionals and kids alike to value family, love to fish, and dare to hunt. He found time to be a successful entrepreneur, coach of wrestling and football, and as the kids would say, “a fixer.”

A private celebration will be held at his home – a place so perfect to him, he once said “I can’t imagine heaven being more beautiful than this.”

Joe is survived by his wife, Tammy L. (McCord); sons, Christopher D. and Andrew J.; grandchildren, Abigail R. (Abi) and Wyatt A.; mother, Lucretia Taylor; and mother-in-law, Ana McCord. He was preceded in death by his sons, Zachary A. and Joseph T. Hilfiker; and father, Jim Taylor.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sticks and Stones, a ministry committed to helping people, at sticksandstonesministry.org.

Everyone is invited to sign the online guestbook, leave a condolence or share a memory at fisherfunerals.com.