Herb Hildebrand
1937 - 2003
Herb Hildebrand was born Feb.20, 1937 in Kronsgart, Manitoba, the seventh and last child of Abram and Agatha.
After completing grade 8 at Kronsgart school, he worked on the family farm together with his brother Abe. He was baptized at the Winkler Bergthaler Church and then attended Elim Bible School from 1959- 1962.
On April 18th, 1964, he and Mary Enns were married in the Altona Bergthaler Mennonite Church and one year later welcomed a daughter, Agatha, into their lives.
In 1969, the family moved to Winkler, where Herb worked at the Stylerite clothing store for several years. He and Mary also served as house parents at “Our Home” for 2 years. From 1978 until retirement at age 60, Herb worked at the Morden Research Station.
After a long struggle with cancer and stroke, Herb passed away on Feb. 9, 2002, age 65, at Boundary Trails Health Centre. He was pre-deceased by 3 sisters, Lena, Agatha, and Agnes, and in 1999, by his beloved wife, Mary.
Herb will be missed by his daughter, Agatha and her husband Randy; grandchildren, Paul, Maria, Timothy, and Elizabeth; sisters, Tina and Anne; brother Abe; his in-laws, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Herb loved people and will be remember for his quiet way and sense of humor. Lasting friendships were established through his service to the church. He was deacon for many years and served as chairman of the ministerial. He and Mary loved singing in the choir, attending Bible studies, and visiting the elderly.
Whenever he could, Herb spent time with friends and family enjoying God’s creation. Every year, the family flew to Mexico or Hawaii, or took a road trip through the U.S. The farming life held great appeal for Herb; driving through the countryside to view the crops, helping the kids on their hobby farm, operating the seeder at the research station were summer highlights. Herb loved going with friends and relatives to Pointe du Bois to fish, eat and visit. He seemed most content on a boat with fishing rod in hand.
Following Mary’s death in 1999, Herb moved into Salem Home. Thereafter, his trips were more limited, but he still enjoyed a ride through the country and managed to orchestrate an occasional fishing trip. Herb and his family greatly appreciated all the visits and support from friends, relatives, and medical staff, during the last few years. Thank-you
Funeral Service was held Friday, February 14, 2003 at 11:00a.m. at Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church, with Pastor Arnie Neufeld officiating. Interment followed at the Weidenfeld Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Salem Foundation Inc.
Wiebe Funeral Homes, Winkler in care of arrangements.