Wayne D. Hilden

Wayne Dennis Hilden was born on August 15, 1940, in Rockford, Illinois, the second son of Rodger and Palma Thompson Hilden. Wayne transitioned from his temporary home in Rockford to his permanent home with Jesus in heaven on January 30, 2023, at the age of 82 years, 5 months, and 16 days. His life was marked by the reality of his relationship to Christ. He made a personal decision to trust Jesus as his savior at an early age and his spiritual maturity was nurtured by his parents, church training, and his own study and teaching of the Bible.

After graduating from Kirkland High School Wayne enrolled at Trinity International University in Chicago where he obtained a degree in education. Following graduation from Trinity in 1962 he married Janet Pixler and they had two sons. He attended Trinity Seminary for a year and later was granted a master’s degree in educational administration. Wayne taught at and administered schools in Illinois, Japan, and Liberia, West Africa. At the conclusion of those appointments, Wayne returned to Rockford, taught at Keith Country Day School, then he accepted a role with DeVry University as an admission counselor. During his tenure at DeVry Wayne was promoted to regional management and worked in that role in Illinois, Colorado, and Arizona. In 2015 he retired and returned to Rockford.

Wayne was actively involved in volunteer ministry wherever he lived. After his return from Africa Wayne was asked to initiate and lead the New Beginnings divorce recovery ministry at Rockford First Free. It was through that servant leadership that he met Sharon Berryman. They were married in September 1980 adding Sharon’s three children to their blended family. He and Sharon led New Beginnings for 13 years. He also served on the church board. Wayne taught and administered adult Sunday School classes and small groups in churches in Rockford, Denver, and Phoenix. In Phoenix he was a volunteer leader in the CRU ministry on the Arizona State University campus. Every place he lived he formed significant, long-term friendships and he was considered a reliable counselor, mentor, and spiritual advisor by both friends and family.

All was not work and ministry for Wayne, however. He was an adventurer loving travel, new experiences, and meeting new people. He caught many by surprise as he participated in parasailing, hot air ballooning, and zip lining. He also played tennis at a better than average level and loyally followed the Chicago Cubs and Bears. In later years he worked in his floral and vegetable gardens.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lowell; and stepson, Craig Berryman. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; his brother, Ron (Ruth) Hilden; his, sister Carol (Doug) Fast; children, Eric Hilden, Jeremy (Michelle) Hilden, Steve (Beverly) Berryman, and Kristin (Steve) Gaetjens; ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren; plus multiple nieces and nephews.

He lived a life honoring the Lord Jesus at home, in the workplace, and in his community. He is reveling in the presence of Jesus and being reunited with Christ-followers in his family who have gone before him to heaven. We are grateful for the legacy he left.

Visitation is Friday, February 3, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford, Rockford, and Saturday, February 4, 2023 from 10:00 to 10:50 am with funeral at 11:00 am at Rockford First Free Church, 2223 N Mulford Rd.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial gifts be given to Rockford Rescue Mission.