Meredith “Hoot” M. Kilmer

PORTAGE – Meredith “Hoot” M. Kilmer, age 96, of the Township of Dekorra, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Hamilton Park Place, in Portage.

Hoot was born on March 20, 1930, in Richland Center, the daughter of Albert and Diane (Stanley) Clausius. She was married to Jay D. Kilmer, on March 27, 1947, at the Presbyterian Church in Mauston. Hoot and Jay were avid supporters of the Wisconsin Badgers.  They had season tickets for over 35 years.  Hoot and Jay followed the Badgers all over the country and attended several Rose Bowls.  They enjoyed traveling and even took the entire family to Hawaii for their 50th wedding anniversary.  Hoot was gifted in her needle work.  She attended craft shows all over Dane and Columbia counties. Hoot loved animals; she had many cats in her lifetime and cared for many strays.

She is survived by her son, Nick (Kayla) Kilmer and their sons, Klaus and Hans, Pardeeville; her daughter, Paulette Kilmer, Toledo, Ohio; granddaughter, Laura (Robert) Steele, Shorewood; great grandchildren, Meredith and Lochlan Steele; very, dear friend of the family, Steve Baumgartner, Mequon; nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Jay; her parents; her son, Vaughn; and her dear friend, Vivian Baumgartner.

Graveside services will be private in Dekorra Cemetery.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, is assisting the family.