CHARLES KARL HILDEBRAND

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CHARLES KARL HILDEBRAND 1925 2008 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing on February 13, 2008 at Boundary Trails Health Centre of our beloved husband, dad and papa, Charlie Hildebrand. Charlie is survived by Sigrid, his loving wife of 54 years, one daughter, Janice and Jack Mutcheson of Morden; two sons, Wesley and Carol, Dean and Tiina both of Morden; five grandchildren, Teresa Timmerman, Karen Vizecky (Mark), Joey, Jenny and Jesse Mutcheson; one sister, Emily Dahl (Norman), four brothers, Fred, Bill (Lillian), Lawrence (Ann), Arnold (Swen), sister-in-law, Martha Hildebrand, brother-in-law, John Gillis, sister-in-law Helga Gillis, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Adolph and Elizabeth (nee Marsch) Hildebrand, parents-in-law, Ragnar and Salome Gillis, three sisters, Ida Spangelo (and husband Njord), Edna Guderian (and husband Harry), and Louise Hildebrand, one brother, Sam, four brothers-in-law Ragnar, Oscar, Frank (and wife June), and Arni Gillis, two sisters-in-law, Ella Hildebrand and Olive Gillis (and husband Arni), and grandson-in-law, Jason Timmerman. Charlie was born on the family farm in 1-6 District south of Morden and attended Elk Creek and Lindal Schools. In his younger days he worked in a gold mine and bush camps in Ontario in order to make money to purchase his own farm. He married Sigrid Gillis on June 27, 1953 and they enjoyed farming together for the next 50 years. As a Deer Creek School Board trustee and a member of church council for many years, Charlie believed in giving back to his community. When he joined Our 1-6 Heritage book committee and spent countless hours researching and gathering information, Charlie developed his love for family history. He later co-authored the Marsch Family History book and authored the Hildebrand Heritage book. These books have been greatly appreciated, and over the years Charlie collected many history books from every community in the area. At family reunions, Charlie could be relied on to chart the family tree and remember details, thanks to his faithful habit of keeping a daily journal for 45 years. His love for writing also blessed countless family members when he would mail out lengthy handwritten Christmas letters every year. Charlie loved nature and looking after his farm, especially working the fields and enjoying tailgate lunches with his family. He also took great pleasure in gardening, picking berries, and cleaning up brush around the yard. As both Wes and Dean built up their own farming operations, Charlie was always keen to help by going on machinery shopping excursions with them. After Charlie and Sigrid moved to town three years ago, he enjoyed playing cards at the Friendship Centre and meeting friends for coffee. And yet, even in retirement', the highlight of his week was when he could get back out to Wes or Dean's farm to help work a field, fix a machine, or otherwise lend a hand. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 18 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church 144 7th St. in Morden. Interment to follow at Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charlie's memory to either Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church 144 7th St. Morden, MB R6M 1E2 or the Boundary Trails Health Centre Foundation - Palliative Care Unit Box 2000 Winkler, MB R6W 1H8. We will miss Charlie dearly but are grateful that he is now with the Lord. Wiebe Funeral Chapel, Morden In care of arrangements, 822-4755 www.wiebefuneralhomes.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 16, 2008