John Hildebrandt passed away at the Regina General Hospital on Wednesday, August 12th, 2015, at 9:51 AM, he was 84 years old. John was born on January 27th, 1931, to Isaac & Mary Hildebrandt. He grew up on a farm in Blumenhof, Saskatchewan, where he was the younger brother to Henry and older brother to Jake, Pete and Alma. John grew up working on the farm with his dad and brothers. Working on the farm was never work for him. He was eager to get out of bed and start his day. In his younger years, he used to wake up and run to the field that they were working on, even if it was miles away. He was focused and dedicated and did whatever needed to be done. In 1955 he married Evelyn Kieling. They moved into a small farmhouse - down the street from where he grew up - where they started their new life and raised their two children. Along with taking care of the farm, he also took care of his wife, until her passing in 1986. A few years later, he met Mary Funk, they were married in the spring of 1989, which also brought in a loving step-mother and grandmother to his children and grandchildren. His son, from a very early age, took a great interest in farming. In the 1970’s, they both decided to start their own farming operation. Working long hard hours as a team, trying to provide for their families. John was also a great storyteller. He would often start telling a story, then ask you if you had heard it before, but before you could answer, he would continue to tell it. Chances are, you had already heard it a few times. He would never stretch the truth during his storytelling, but rather, he would often take a moment to think about the events of the story, to ensure that he was telling it right. It was during times like this, that you would often see his bright blue eyes light up, as he started to laugh. Up and until his final days, John still tinkered around the farm. He would always come and see what everyone was working on and always interested in what was going on. He was checking crops and reporting back and going to get parts from town. His passion for farming was evident, but nothing made him happier than when harvest came around and he could once again, be back on the field. He was looking forward to harvest this year and couldn’t wait to get in the combine. John is survived by his wife, Mary Hildebrandt; his son, Barry & Diane Hildebrandt – Travis & Janelle Hildebrandt (Owen Taylor, Jaxon), Tracy Hildebrandt; his daughter, Gaylia & Gerald Wiens – Lisa & Darryk Noble (Abbie, Rachel), Gerod & Stephanie Wiens (Emmerson, Keaton), Scott Wiens; step-son, Abe & Donna Funk – Derrek & Jessica Funk (Nora, Shaya), Stacey & Colin Waldie (Thalia, Ethan); step-son, Russell Funk – Ashley Funk, Lauren Funk; along with his brothers and sister, and their families.
The Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, August 18, 2015, at 2:00 pm from the Church of the Open Bible, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Josiah Boyd officiating. The pianist for the service was Dianne Janzen. “Leaning On the Everlasting Arms” and “The Lord Is My Shepherd” were sung by the congregation under the direction of Robert Klassen. The life history was shared by granddaughter, Tracy Hildebrandt. The ushers in the church were Max Mirau and Robert Klassen. The Interment Service was held at the Mount Pleasant Burial Park, Swift Current, SK with the following serving as pallbearers, Travis Hildebrandt, Scott Wiens, Gerod Wiens, Dave Fehr, Wayne Hildebrandt and Keagan Anderson. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK. For further information or to leave a personal message of condolence on the family‘s obituary page, please go to swiftcurrentfuneralhome.com