Sign up for email newsletters
Sign up for email newsletters wire cable wire
wire drawing process Wolfgang (Wolf) August Hillinger “Pop”, suddenly passed away on May 25, 2024, in Vienna, Austria. He was born July 15, 1945, to Hertha and Karl Hillinger and had two siblings, Wolf Dietrich and Monika. Born in Salzburg, Austria, he was active in local sports including skiing and basketball. He acquired his master’s degree in mechanical engineering at the Hochschule für Bodenkultur Wien in Austria. Always adventurous, Wolf left Austria in 1966 for the United States after accepting an employment invitation from the president of a manufacturing company in Chicago, IL. He married his wife, Dianne “DeeDee” Corwith in 1969 and during their nearly 53 years of marriage, welcomed 11 children. He directed operations as well as holding chief engineer position for Dickson Weatherproof Nail from 1975 until 1994, growing it to one of the largest nail companies in the United States. In 2004, he established a US division of Italian steel manufacturer, Rodacciai S.p.A. In addition to his successful career, Wolf founded and operated Heli-Die Inc. which manufactured wire drawing dies for clientele across the globe. Wolf retired in 2021 as president of Roda Specialty Steel. A dedicated family and businessman, he loved family, skiing, the outdoors, travel, and “loafing” on his patio with a cold spritzer, satisfied with his accomplishments of the day. His creative mind fueled his enjoyment for designing, building and fixing things. In retirement, he continued investing his time with his children and grandchildren, his sister in Austria, and as an active, dedicated member in his local church. His sudden departure comes as a shock and a deep wound to his family, and others who loved him deeply in his wide network of friends and colleagues. Pop will be greatly missed by his family but will always remain in our hearts and memories. He was an extraordinary man. Wolf was preceded in death by his mother Hertha, father Karl and stepfather Walter, and wife DeeDee. He is survived by his sister Monika Zehetmayr; his 11 children and their spouses – Craig (Shari) Hillinger, Kristin Hillinger, Catherine (Steve) Dodd, Kellie (Dave) Cyr, Kevin (Jessica) Hillinger, Kara (Andrew) Brantley, Christopher (Anne) Hillinger, Kimberlie (Jonathan) McDanield, Cameron Hillinger, and Cailee Hillinger; his 24 grandchildren Austin (Emily), Nathan (Jordan), Collin (Ryan), Addilyn, Olivia, Emily, Jordan, Allison, Tyler, Nora, Aiden, Ella, Matthew, Ethan, Anelise, Owen, Beau, Isla, Miah, Jackson, Liam, Noah, Emily, and Morgan; and his 7 great grandchildren.