Gary “Bud” Hiltz, 72, of Yorkville, Indiana, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026. Known for his ever-present smile, he will be remembered for his warm heart, easygoing nature, and remarkable singing voice.
Bud grew up on the family farm in Dover before settling in Yorkville, where he built a life and raised his own family. Music was a constant presence from an early age, and his natural talent brought joy to many. As a student at North Dearborn High School, he played trumpet in the school band. Throughout his life, he shared his gift of music by singing at weddings, community events, and impromptu family performances with his siblings whenever the mood struck. He was proud to have the opportunity to perform on stage alongside his sons. If Bud pulled out his record player and began flipping through his extensive collection of albums, everyone knew they were in for a memorable time.
For more than 40 years, Bud worked at Batesville Casket, where he retired as Tool Crib Manager. Many will also remember him as their favorite bartender at Widolff’s, where he worked for 30 years. With a gift for conversation and a genuine interest in others, Bud never met a stranger and had a remarkable ability to turn acquaintances into lifelong friends.
Family was at the center of Bud’s life. When his sons were young, he enjoyed coaching their baseball teams, and later he treasured cheering alongside them for the Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati Bengals. Every summer, he took pride in tending to his garden that produced more vegetables than he could possibly use. When he wasn’t outside, he could often be found relaxing in his favorite chair, watching reruns of The Andy Griffith Show or classic westerns, such as Gunsmoke, Rio Bravo, and Blazing Saddles. He also enjoyed spending time with his close-knit group of friends, affectionately known as the “Romeos.”
Bud will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Jane (Aust) Hiltz, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage; his children, Kent (Helena) Hiltz, Doug Hiltz, Jacob (Stefanie) Hiltz, and Jared (Kayla) Hiltz; his cherished grandchildren, Presley, Milo, Abram, Harper, Reagan, Riley, and Elsie; and his siblings, Cheryl (Joe) Lieland, Rhonda (Kenny) Trabel, Melanie (Ed) Gutzwiller, Tim (Kim) Hiltz, and Lisa (Bernie) Nobbe. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilfred and Betsy (Hoffmeier) Hiltz.
Visitation honoring Bud will be held on Sunday, August 2 at Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home. Rosary will begin at 3:45pm followed by visitation until 7:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 3 at 10:00am at St. Martin’s Campus of All Saints Parish. Burial will immediately follow in the church cemetery. For those unable to attend, the Mass will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/aspweeklyhomily. Memorials can be made toward Miller-York Volunteer Fire Department. Memorials will be accepted at the visitation or can be mailed to the funeral home. Family and friends are encouraged to leave condolences at www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com.
Bud’s joyful spirit, generous heart, love of music, and devotion to family will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.