BILL HILDEBRANDT

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BILL HILDEBRANDT Surrounded by the love of his family, Bill passed away peacefully on Friday, December 11, 2015, at the age of 72. He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by Kathy, his wife of 48 years; his three daughters Carol, Lori (Brian), and Sandra (Kurt); his grandchildren, Kieran, Lukas, Chloe, Christian, Rowan, Mark, Adam, and Maren; his sister Helen Goertzen (Irvin); brother Henry (Martha), and his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother Susanna and his brother Hans. Bill was born in Russia, and, with the assistance of family and friends, emigrated to Canada with his family post-Second World War in 1948 at the age of five. Bill attended school at Westgate until he was 15 years old, after which he found full-time employment at Freed & Freed, where his mother also worked. He was there for 17 years, after which he moved to Burns Meats for over 20 years. He ended his working career in 2005, employed by his son-in-law at Security Decorating. He retired after his health no longer permitted him to work. Bill was born into a Christian family, and was baptized upon confession of faith in 1966 at First Mennonite Church in Winnipeg by Aelt. J. Wiebe, where his family attended church. There he met and married the love of his life, Kathy. Bill spent many years welcoming and ushering people who attended the many services and programs at First Mennonite Church, and later at Douglas Mennonite Church, where they started attending with their children and grandchildren. Bill enjoyed curling, which he started playing at First Mennonite Church, and introduced this love to several family members. He also had a great love for watching the Winnipeg Blue Bombers; he especially enjoyed attending games with his children, and then his grandchildren. Many hours were spent in his basement workshop; he enjoyed woodworking, making furniture, wood models, puzzles, and working on projects with his grandchildren. He loved road trips with his family, and drove thousands of miles on family vacations, travelling to Florida, Nashville, the Canadian East Coast, Northern Manitoba, and the Rocky Mountains, to name a few. He and Kathy even travelled twice to visit their daughter in Europe. In spite of his health, he thoroughly enjoyed watching his grandchildren at their many sports activities. Bill was a man of few words. He led by example. He was content with his life, and worked hard to provide the best for his family. Bill and Kathy drew strength from each other as his journey through Parkinson's Disease progressed. He accepted his situation with grace and good humour, always with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. Bill spent his last five years at Bethania Personal Care Home, where he was loved by many staff, bringing much joy to them as they cared for him. The family is truly grateful for the loving care he received. Many of the staff and residents will miss him. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mennonite Central Committee or Bethania Personal Care Home Recreational Fund in Bill's name. Memorial service will be on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Douglas Mennonite Church, 1517 Rothesay Avenue. "Sweetheart, you will be our brightest shining star up in heaven, and you will be loved forever by all of us. Hugs and kisses, Kathy."
Publish Date: Dec 14, 2015

BILL HILDEBRANDT Bill was born April 3, 1943, beloved husband of Kathy; father to Carol, Lori (Brian), and Sandra (Kurt), passed away with his family at his side on Friday, December 11, 2015 at 12:00 pm. Funeral services to be held at Douglas Mennonite Church on Tuesday, December 15 at 10:00 am. Longer obituary to follow. Arrangements entrusted to Friends Funeral Services.
Publish Date: Dec 12, 2015

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 14, 2015