Columbus - Victor L. Hilts (Vic), age 88,  passed away at his home on June 9, 2026. He was born in Great Falls, Montana on November 1, 1937, the son of Samuel W. Hilts and Esther Knudsen Hilts. He graduated from Great Falls High School in 1955. He attended Harvard University as an undergraduate and continued there through his PhD in 1965. On June 26, 1965, he married Patricia McCabe of Rome, Pennsylvania, whom he met in graduate school. He taught in the History of Science Department at UW-Madison from 1965 until his retirement in 2005. During this time he was department chair from 1977 - 1981, again from1987 - 1995. His professional interests centered around the history of the social sciences, and he was best known for his work on Francis Galton's English men of Science.

Vic loved to travel, and he and his wife Pat made many trips to England, Germany, Austria, Scandinavia, and France, both for fun and to do research. They also traveled widely in this country and particularly enjoyed historic sites and villages both here and abroad. Vic and Pat shared an interest in spinning wheels stemming from their days in graduate school, and together, they authored a number of articles about spinning wheels and spinning wheel makers. Vic will be fondly remembered by his friends and colleagues for his generosity, kindness, and unflappability.  The many graduate students that he guided through the demanding process of obtaining a PhD will remember him for his patience and insights.

Vic is survived by his wife, Patricia Hilts. Victor's remains will be interred in Medina Cemetery in Marshall, Wisconsin.

We encourage you to share your online condolences with Vic's family at jensenfuneralandcremation.com