DelRae R. Hilfiker

DelRae Rose (Wuebben) Hilfiker, age 78, of Fordyce, Nebraska, passed away suddenly at her home on Friday, January 23, 2026.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fordyce, Nebraska. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Fordyce. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fordyce with a vigil service at 7:00 PM. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz funeral Home in Hartington, Nebraska.

Pallbearers will be: Allen Hilfiker, Brice Hilfiker, Lincoln Hilfiker, Joshua Hilfiker, Cody Kovar, and Matt Bring. Honorary pallbearers will be: Brittany Kovar, Allison Bring and Hannah Hilfiker.

DelRae was born on September 12, 1947, to Steven and Margaret Wuebben and was raised on the family farm just outside of Fordyce. She attended local schools and graduated from Cedar Catholic High School before beginning the vocation that would define her life, loving and caring for her family and community. She was grounded, hardworking, generous, and deeply faithful. Those values guided her life and were evident in the way she cared for her family, friends, and anyone who crossed her path.

On September 12, 1970, DelRae was united in marriage to Phil Hilfiker at St. John’s Parish in Fordyce, Nebraska. Their marriage and faith were the cornerstones of her life. A proud, lifelong parishioner of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, DelRae lived her faith not only through worship, but through action. She served faithfully in the Ladies Guild, Parish Council, and numerous other church ministries, but she was best known for the countless quiet ways she helped others by organizing meal trains, giving rides, checking in on those who were ill, and always being willing to roll up her sleeves and help where needed.

DelRae’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother to five children and their spouses, a proud grandmother of seven, and a cherished great-grandmother of three. She had a creative spirit and enjoyed many hobbies, including raising chickens, gardening, baking, cooking, sewing, crafting, calligraphy, painting ceramics, and concrete lawn ornaments.

The arrival of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought DelRae immense happiness. She treasured every opportunity to cuddle them when they were small, and her smile grew even bigger when sleepovers at Grandma’s house took place. Reading stories, attending school programs, and cheering them on at sporting events were moments she never missed and always cherished.

DelRae is survived by her loving husband, Phil Hilfiker; her children: Todd (Malinda) Hilfiker of David City, Nebraska; Brenda (Nick) Lerouge of Omaha, Nebraska; Jeff (Katie) Hilfiker of Bonner Springs, Kansas; Brian (Tara) Hilfiker of Dickinson, North Dakota; and Brad (Heather) Hilfiker of Norfolk, Nebraska. She is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Allen (Bailey) Hilfiker and their daughter Delilah of Arlington, Nebraska; Allison (Matt) Bring of Omaha, Nebraska; Brice Hilfiker of David City, Nebraska; Brittany (Cody) Kovar and their children Dylan and Della of David City, Nebraska; Josh Hilfiker of Bonner Springs, Kansas; Lincoln Hilfiker of Norfolk, Nebraska; and Hannah Hilfiker of Dickinson, North Dakota. She is also survived by her sister, Darlene Svacina of Yankton, South Dakota; and her brother, Bob (Linda) Wuebben of Fordyce, Nebraska.

DelRae was preceded in death by her parents, Steven and Margaret Wuebben; her brother, Francis Wuebben; her sister, Marcella “Sis” Bonertz; and her brother-in-law, Dale Svacina.

DelRae will be remembered for her strong faith, servant’s heart, creativity, and the deep love she had for her family.

To post an online sympathy message to the family please visit www.wintzrayfuneralhome.com.