Biography: Norman "Norm" Alex Hilgendorff passed away at age 73 into the loving arms of God on Tuesday January 26, 2021 after a long and valiant battle with cancer.  He is survived by his devoted and loving wife Jane of 41 years, his beloved children: son Jason Hilgendorff and wife Crissy, and daughter Kim Brooks and husband Tim. He was beloved Opa to his grandchildren: Nathan, Zac, Noah, Nick, and Kate and to his great grandchildren Gryffin and Saxon. He is survived by serveral nephews and nieces and by his beautiful cats Artiste and Chance. Norm was preceded in death by his parents Samuel and Hedy Hilgendorff, his sister Jean Graham, and his brother Wayne Hilgendorff.
 
Norm was born in 1947 in Salt Lake City, Utah  to Samuel and Hedwig Hilgendorff.  After graduating from Granite High school, he attended trade school graduating as a machinist. For several years, he owned a tool and die company, Debmar Machine in Salt Lake City.  In 1979, he marrried the love of his life, Jane. Together they formed a life long partnership of love and frendship and raised a son and daughter, Jason and Kim.  He moved with his family to Little Rock, Arkansas in 1986, where he made a career change and joined the retail book sales force, managing book stores, as well as, training store maangers.
 
He had a passion for reading and was continuously on the hunt for the next good "read".  He particularly loved thrillers and mysteries and followed at least three dozen authors always in search of their next book.  He enjoyed board games and Texas Hold Em.  Norm was a family man. He looked forward to every family birthday or holiday gathering.  There was nothing he enjoyed more than a game of Texas Hold Em after a big Thanksgiving feast.  He found pleasure in attending rock concerts and always looked forward to catching the latest film at the theater.  He was an avid basketball and football sports fan following his favorite teams the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Norm was a man of great inner strength and optimism and had a zest for life.  He was a man with powerful words to impart to his family.  His smile and good humor will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.
 
"We will always carry your memory in our hearts".
 
Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Little Rock, AR, on March 23, 2021 at 2 p.m.. Memorial donations in memory of Norm can be made to the Carti Cancer Foundation in Little Rock (carti.ejoinme.org/donate) with donations directed to CARTI Little Rock.  Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home: RuebelFuneralHome.com.