Virgil Ray Hildebrand, 98, of Hancock
Virgil Ray Hildebrand, the son Ola E. and Mildred (Dool) Hildebrand, was born on August 1, 1926, in rural James Township near Hancock, IA. He passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 98 years, 4 months, and 25 days, at the Heritage House in Atlantic, IA.
Virgil spent his early years on the family farm west of Hancock, where he developed a lifelong love for horses. He began his education in a country school in rural James Township and graduated from Hancock High School in 1943.
On March 23, 1946, Virgil married Elaine Smith in Hiawatha, KS. They were happily married for over 72 years. The couple initially lived in Missouri Valley, IA, where Virgil delivered ice to homes. They later returned to rural Hancock, where Virgil worked for local farmers before moving back to the family farm to continue farming until 2019.
Virgil enjoyed playing card games, especially cribbage, and in recent years became an avid reader. He and Elaine were active members of several saddle clubs, enjoying trail rides and horse vacations to western Nebraska and Wyoming.
Virgil is preceded in death by his wife Elaine, daughter Jo, granddaughter Jodi, and six siblings: Genevra, Mervin, Dean, Ruth, Doyce, and Charles.
He is survived by his son Bill of Thoreau, NM; daughters Jan Lockhart and husband Dwayne of Dystart, IA, and Joyce Beedle and husband Gary of Avoca, IA; 12 grandchildren; many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 10:30 AM at the Hancock United Methodist Church in Hancock, IA, with interment at Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Monday, December 30, 2024, from 5-7 PM at the Rieken Vieth Funeral Home in Oakland.
