April 9, 2021 at 3:54 p.m.

Gwendolyn Linehan Hillinger

Gwendolyn Linehan Hillinger, 83 years old and long time resident of Minocqua and Palm Desert, Calif., died Friday, Dec. 11, 2020. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard J. and Gwendolyn C. Linehan, former husband Philip Hillinger, second husband Robert Daniels, and her brother Richard Linehan. She is survived by her loving family: son Philip “Duke” Hillinger, daughters Catherine (Bruno) Hillinger-Vanoudenhove, Denise Hillinger, Traci (Eric) Groff; grandchildren Katherine Groff, Frederick Groff; brothers Dennis Linehan and Patrick Linehan; nephews Richard (Wendy) Linehan, Dennis Linehan, Michael Linehan, James (Heidi) Linehan, Sean Linehan, and nieces Kate Linehan and Colleen Linehan. Gwen was born Feb. 6, 1937, in Chicago. Her family moved to Wilmette when she was three where she attended St. Francis Xavier Elementary, Marywood High School, and went on to study at Loretto Heights College in Colorado. Post-college, she returned to start a successful modeling career in both Chicago and New York. She eventually met and married the love of her life, Philip Hillinger. They went on to build a family, home, and business in the village of Northbrook. The Cypress Inn Restaurant was known and loved by many on the North Shore. In 1967, Phil and Gwen found a lake house in Minocqua where she rekindled her love for the Northwoods discovered early on as a child while at nearby Camp Woodland. Gwen was a long-time member of Minocqua Country Club and served as president of the Republican Women’s League of Northern Wisconsin. She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Church and Holy Family Church. Later she would spend winters in Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert, where she was a member of both the Springs and the Lakes Country Clubs. She was an avid equestrian, classical pianist, a dedicated swimmer at Michigan Shores Club, enjoyed 9 holes of golf, and welcomed a good backgammon challenge. Above all, she loved nothing more than being with her family on Lake Tomahawk, either on the boat or on the porch, peacefully watching eagles soar above the trees as the sun was setting and the waves were gently lapping upon the shoreline. Gwen was generous of heart and an enthusiastic supporter of the American Cancer Society, Northwestern University Settlement House, Loyola Academy, Glenbrook North High School, Misericordia, Min-Aqua Bats Water Ski Club, The Cradle, and Smiles. Most importantly she shared her affinity for nature and animals as well as her love of adventure with her children and grandchildren. We love you G.G., you are dearly missed! A memorial service will be held during the summer pending covid conditions. In Lieu of flowers, Donations can be made to American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org or Camp Woodland: John Jordan Camp Woodland Fund https://www.campwoodland.com/alumnae/john-jordan-campership-fund-give-back-toda/. Info: www.donnellanfuneral.com or 847-675-1990.
 

Comments:

You must login to comment.


MINOCQUA WEATHER

WEATHER SPONSORED BY

250 X 250 AD
250 X 250 AD

E-Editions

The Lakeland Times April 24, 2026
250 X 250 AD

Events

April

SU
MO
TU
WE
TH
FR
SA
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
29 30 31 1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 1 2

To Submit an Event Sign in first

Today's Events

No calendar events have been scheduled for today.

250 X 250 AD