Ernest Hildebrand

Ernest R. Hildebrand, of Berrien Springs, MI, died December 20, 2017 following a courageous 25 year battle with cancer. He was the seventh child of Adolph and Alma (Fiege) Hildebrand, born on August 17, 1935 in the family farm house in which he grew up and lived until his death. Ernie (as he was known to all) was a lifelong fruit farmer and served the residents of Oronoko Township for 42 years—20 years as Township Supervisor and as a member of the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. He was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Berrien Springs where he was baptized and confirmed and where he served as church treasurer for many years.  He graduated from Berrien Springs High School in 1953 and from Michigan State College (University) in the two-year agricultural short course program. On November 7, 1959 he married Delores (Schmaltz) and they were blessed with three children who survive–daughter Kimberly (Tim) Bagby of California; son Kevin (Dana) of Ft. Wayne, IN; and son Michael (Kimberley) of Berrien Springs; one sister Loraine (Phil) Frobel of St. Joseph; one brother Robert of Charlotte, MI; nine grandchildren—Stephanie (Jason) Milligan, Jeffrey Lueders, Darrin Bagby, Anna, Ella, Lilli, Adison, Callan, and Emerson Hildebrand; two step-grandchildren—Jessica (Andrew) Hughes and Jonathan Bagby; and two step-great grandsons, Connor and Brennan Hughes.  He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters—Anita Schneider, Ruth Hildebrand, and Geri Fournier, and two brothers Walter and Leo Hildebrand. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 pm on Tuesday December 26, at Starks and Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph.  A Celebration of Life service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Berrien Springs, 9123 George Ave, on Wednesday December 27 at 10:30 am, with Pastor Douglas Adams officiating.  Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church (general fund); Concordia Theological Seminary, 6600 North Clinton Street, Ft. Wayne, Indiana 46825; University of Michigan Prostate Cancer Program (victors.us/ernesthildebrand) or the Berrien Springs Area Endowment, P.O. Box 414, Berrien Springs, MI 49103.