Bill Hildebrand, son of Virgil Ray and Florence Elaine (Smith) Hildebrand, was born on November 18, 1946 in Council Bluffs, IA passed July 29, 2025 at the age of 78 at his home in Thoreau, NM.
Bill grew up on a family farm west of Hancock. His dad taught him the value of hard work and how to work with his hands. After he graduated from Oakland High School in 1964 he went to work. Bill took great pride in his work at many various jobs. He dedicated more than 20 years to Imperial Clevite/Mahle working his way from the factory floor to management. Bill worked evenings at the Atlantic Meat Locker, where the Haupert family treated him like family. He drove semis for Concept Builders, the SWITA bus and worked roadside assistance as a tow truck driver Bill married Ruth Jorgensen on January 29, 1965 in Maryville, MO. Together, they had three children: Elizabeth, William and Jason. On February 15, 1980 Bill married Denise (Schaaf) Cook. Together, they had a daughter, Jodi, formerly of Atlantic, IA.
Outside of work, Bill enjoyed writing stories and poems, liked taking his grandkids fishing and he loved cooking. He often brought home premium cuts of meat and award winning beef jerky purchased by his hard work at the locker. He loved a good Iowa chop and roasted loins for family weddings, cooked hams and turkeys for holiday gatherings and cranked out homemade ice cream for the 4th of July and family reunions. Bill loved animals especially his dogs. His brief stint as a dog catcher rewarded him with two schnauzers Buffy & Pepper who rarely left his side. After losing Jodi in a tragic accident Bill & Denise raised her two children Austin and Demi. Bill adored them and they were his pride and joy. Watching Austin play baseball, ride dirt bikes and become a decorated marksman in the U.S. Army gave Bill great pride. Watching Demi shine as a gymnast and dancer gave Bill great joy. As a member of the First Church of Christ in Atlantic Bill not only enjoyed services, he enjoyed the opportunity to serve. He helped carve their first church sign and even helped in the office as a secretary when he was between jobs. Bill lived his final chapter in the quiet countryside of Thoreau, NM with his his dogs Athena & Aries and his buddy Lee at his side.
Bill is preceded in death by his daughters, Jodi Hildebrand and Elizabeth Greybeihl, former wife Ruth Barnes, parents Virgil & Elaine, and his sister, Jo Hildebrand. He is survived by his wife Denise of Exira; sons William & Debra of Kellerton, IA and Jason & Regina of Grants Pass, OR; and two stepdaughters, Julie & Corey of Lumberton, TX and Jacqueline & Kris Phippen of Exira, IA; as well as his sisters Jan & Dwayne Lockhart of Dystart, IA and Joyce & Gary Beedle of Avoca, IA; his nine grandchildren Joe White, Dayton White, Austin Johnson, Demi Hildebrand, Ian Miller, Mikaela (Miller) Argo, Kylene (Graybiehl) Newman, Kristene (Graybiehl) Huddleston, John Graybiehl, several great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A simple graveside service will be held at Pleasant Township Cemetery south of Griswold, IA at a future date.
