Henry W Hildebrand

1922 - 2007

On Thursday, April 19, 2007 at Boundary Trails Health Centre, Henry W. Hildebrand aged 84 years of Winkler MB went to his eternal rest.  Dad reached the age of 84 years, 10 months and 8 days.

Dad was born on June 11, 1922 to parents, John and Maria (nee Wall) Hildebrand.  He grew up in the Green Farm area where he helped at home on the family farm.  He was one of eleven children: John, Dave, Tina, Henry, Mary, Abe, Helen, Elizabeth, Peter, Anne and Margaret.  Dad did not finish grade school at first because of his responsibility at home.  After the war, Dad went on to Normal School and spent 38 years working as a teacher, and later as the head librarian at Winkler Elementary School.  During the war years, Dad served as a Conscientious Objector on a farm in the Sanford area.  Dad met Mom in her home village of Friedensruh.  They were married on July 2, 1944 after the Sunday morning service as was the custom at that time.  Dad has been active in church for as long as we can remember.  He helped with counseling during evangelistic crusades, served on committees, and he and mom were elected as a deacon couple.  He taught adult Sunday School and home Bible studies for many years, and mom and dad also served in the Plum Coulee EMM Church for some years.  Our brother John, being mentally and physically handicapped, created challenges for Dad and Mom, and prodded Dad to make this world a better place for John and other children like him.  Dad helped get Valley Rehab underway, working together with Dr. C.W. Wiebe and others, and he served on that board for many years.  Since John had to be transported from Lowe Farm to Winkler for several years with the help of community and church volunteers, Dad saw a need and became an instigator for housing in Winkler for special needs clients associated with the Valley Rehab at the time.  Dad and John enjoyed many bicycle rides together in summer and in winter they would walk in the mall.  Dad was in and out of the hospital and was re-admitted on March 26, 2007 where he remained until his passing on Thursday, April 19, 2007 at 10:30 a.m.

He was predeceased by his father, John M. Hildebrand (1971), his mother, Maria Wall (1979); by one daughter, Tina who died at birth and also by his sisters, Elizabeth and Tina and brothers, John and Dave.

Dad leaves to mourn his dear wife Mary (nee Wall) of Winkler, 1 daughter, Linda and Walter Dueck of Winkler (Russ and Brenda, Mike and Ashley, and Rachel); 3 sons, Corney and Clara of Winkler (Kim and Pat Loewen and their children, Alison and Briana, Sheldon and Janelle Hildebrand and their children, Ethan and Tressa), John Hildebrand of Winkler, James and Lois of Winkler (Holly and Phil Tripp, Heidi and Luke).

Funeral service held on Monday, April 23, 2007 at 2:00 pm at the Winkler Mennonite Church with Rev. Wilbert Friesen and Rev. Jerry Hildebrand officiating.  Interment followed at Winkler Cemetery.

Many thanks to Dr. Blignaut and the nursing staff for their gentle care and for allowing Dad to keep his dignity during his illness.  If friends so desire, donations may be made in Henry’s memory to Winkler EMMC Higher Education Fund.

Though we miss him greatly, we grant him the peace that he is now enjoying with his risen Lord.  The family. 

Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler in care of arrangements.