Joseph (Joe) Hilts was called to God on April 26, 2023. He was born on May 6, 1941, in Walpole, Saskatchewan, Canada, the son of Verne (Lubiniecki) and Joseph A. Hilts. He received a BA degree from Eastern Montana College, an MA from the University of Wyoming, and a PhD from the University of Manitoba. He met his wife, Margaret (Hylok) Hilts in Wyoming and they were married June 21, 1969, at Sts. Edward & Isidore Catholic Church in Suamico.

Joe was known for his kind demeanor, his service to others through his work and love for his family, friends, community, and pets. He began his career as a teacher and then as a diplomat in the Foreign Service. His service with the U.S. Department of State took him and his family abroad to Nigeria, Haiti, Ivory Coast, Sudan, Burkina Faso, Tanzania and Washington, D.C. He retired to Green Bay, Wisconsin, and continued to serve others as a part-time math teacher at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Joe enjoyed sports, especially softball. He played for the embassy teams overseas where he was known as an exceptional pitcher. He also played slow-pitch softball for teams in Virginia and Green Bay and traveled to many tournaments across the country. He was proud to umpire softball in the Green Bay community. Joe rooted for the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers attending games with his family. An avid hockey fan, he loved going on yearly trips with his son to watch the Detroit Red Wings. Through the years, Joe had several rescue dogs that he cared for and loved.

He was known for being warm, unselfish, and generous. He loved celebrating others' victories as much as his own and thoroughly loved watching and cheering for his grandchildren when they participated in their various sports and events. Joe was also an avid reader who always had a book in hand and was usually reading several at a time. His favorite genres were history and mystery novels. He enjoyed volunteering at the Brown County Library.

He was a long-time member of Saints Edward and Isidore Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife, Margaret, who he affectionately called "Maggie", Hilts, his son, Aaron (Ann) Hilts, and his daughter Adrienne, along with his grandchildren who were the light of his life, Madeline Hilts, Lauren Leonard, Lindsay Leonard, and Brady Leonard. He is also survived by Cherie (John) Hilts Phillips, Edna (Gary) Zittlow, Helen Hylok, John (Geri) Hylok, and Earl (Melanie) Hylok. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings Elizabeth Hilts and John Hilts, and sister-in-law Evelyn (Dale) Vanderveren.

The family extends a special thank you to Unity Hospice for their compassion and care. Online condolences can be made at PhotenhauerFuneralHome.com. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Happily Ever After Animal Shelter or read a book in Joe's memory.