Ex-Vikings linebacker Hilgenberg dies at 66
Wally Hilgenberg

By Staff report, Star Tribune

Last update: September 23, 2008 - 1:19 PM

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Former Vikings linebacker Wally Hilgenberg died this morning after a battle with ALS.

Hilgenberg turned 66 last Friday.

Hilgenberg, who played college football at Iowa, was a member of the Vikings from 1968 to 1979. He started his career with the Lions in 1964 and missed the '67 season because of injury. He was traded to Pittsburgh in 1968 before being claimed off waivers by the Vikings at the start of the season.

"Wally had a tremendously strong Christian strength and that really carried him toward the end," said Bob Lurtsema, Hilgenberg's former teammate with the Vikings. "At the end he was at peace with himself. When he was young and healthy he was one of the biggest pranksters I've ever met."

"He should have been a Pro Bowler all those years," Lurtsema said of Hilgenberg. "He and Roy Winston they were outside linebackers and, playing with them, they were just so smart."

Hilgenberg was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, in 2006, and during the past two seasons, his former teammates frequently visited with him or called him at his Prior Lake home. Several stopped by last week.

In January, he discussed his prognosis with Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse and said, "I don't know how people could deal with something like this without faith," he said.

Hilgenberg is survived by his wife, Mary; four children; and 14 grandchildren.



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