R.I.P. Wally Hilgenberg, 1942 - 2008

by Christopher Gates on Sep 23, 2008 7:33 PM CDT in Minnesota Vikings

Viking great Wally Hilgenberg, a constant on a Minnesota defense that carried the franchise to their four Super Bowl appearances, passed away today from complications related to Lou Gehrig's Disease. He passed away just four days after his 66th birthday.

Hilgenberg was a graduate of the University of Iowa, and was initially drafted in the fourth round of the 1964 draft by the Detroit Lions. Following the 1967 season, the Lions traded him to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the Steelers cut him before he ever played a game for the franchise. The Vikings picked Hilgenberg up off the waiver wire, and his Vikings career lasted until 1979, when he announced his retirement.

Hilgenberg started 117 of the 156 games he played for the Minnesota Vikings, and led the team in tackles in 1971 with 110, and still holds the Viking record for most combined tackles in a game with 13, a record he shares with Scott Studwell. He's also one of the few Viking players to have played in all four of the Vikings' Super Bowl appearances.

Hilgenberg is survived by his wife, Mary, their four children, and fourteen grandchildren. We here at the Daily Norseman send our prayers and best wishes out to the Hilgenberg family in their time of need.

Unfortunately, Mr. Hilgenberg played for the Vikings a bit before my time of being a fan of the team, so I can't relate any stories about personally having seen him play or anything like that. If any of you ever met the man or have any Viking stories about him, feel free to share them with everybody here.

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Take care Wally....

I found a great article written by Patrick Reusse of the Mpls Star Tribune.
http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/13852326.html
(copy and paste the link if it doesn’t work by clicking on it, it’s worth it)
My prayers are with Wally’s family…

Thanks for all the great Viking memories….

Jake

by stilpony on Sep 23, 2008 10:07 PM CDT reply actions

Nice find, stilpony

I think my computer room just got a little dusty.

The Daily Norseman - The greatest Vikings' site on the Internet!

by Christopher Gates on Sep 23, 2008 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions

God Speed Wally

we will miss you our Purple Brother.

VikeGuru is a doofus!!

by Unclebillybonz on Sep 24, 2008 8:36 AM CDT reply actions

Fantasy Football - Valhalla League

I wouldn’t be surprised if rumors are now circulating in heaven about how Wally got in. When he met St. Peter at the pearly gate and was asked about his qualifications, Wally probably asked the old saint to take a three point stance there and let him demonstrate how he used to come on the blitz. I’m sure that Wally got in, but poor Pete will be using the whirlpool for a week.

by Elgar on Sep 24, 2008 12:35 PM CDT reply actions

When the Vikings Played Outdoors Like Men

I had the pleasure of watching Wally Hilgenberg play. Although the Viking defense of his era probably is best remembered for its ferocious D line, Wally was a key member of a uniformly solid defense. He was tough, steady, smart, and reliable, and his LB unit was cohesive because they played together for so many years. He was smart and had a talent for sniffing out the play call and being around the ball and in on the tackle. LIke many of the Vikings on his teams, he achieved far beyond his athletic talents and defeated several more talented NFL (now NFC) teams, like the Rams and Cowboys, for the right to play in the Super Bowl. Great player, and a great guy, too. He will be missed.

by jayinchicago on Sep 24, 2008 1:04 PM CDT reply actions

Wally

I am old enough to remember him. The Viking defense is what made me a fan in the first place. My best to his family. God bless him.

by StAlphonzo on Sep 24, 2008 3:08 PM CDT reply actions

Wally

I knew Wally personally. My family knew him and whenever the Vikings were in a town where we lived, he would call us and we would go down to the hotel to see him the day before the game. Wally was so kind to me as a kid and made sure that I was able to meet all of my favorite Vikings players. But, he was and always will be my favorite Viking. For those who saw him play, he was a great linebacker who never got the recognition he deserved. He was a steady player and I can’t remember him not making a play when the Vikes needed it. As a person, Wally was always smiling and fun to be around. I did get to see him about 5 years ago on a business trip to Minneapolis. Wally hadn’t changed a bit. I am really going to miss him. My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends.

by Froggie Ted on Sep 24, 2008 3:24 PM CDT reply actions

Rest in peace Wally

Great Linebacker, Thoughts and Prayers are with his family and friends

by Tony_O on Sep 24, 2008 5:02 PM CDT reply actions

My Memory Of Wally

I remember Wally Hilgenberg playing, but one thing stands out in my head. I remember him being interviewed right after the NFC Championship game. I couldn’t tell you who was interviewing him or what Wally said, but I just remember him being interviewed.

He was a very solid player and didn’t get near the recognition he deserved.

The Minnesota Vikings - Undefeated in the Playoffs at Lambeau Field!

by BaldViking on Sep 24, 2008 6:37 PM CDT reply actions