Mary (Funk) Hildebrandt

Mary (Funk) Hildebrandt, nee Dueck, age 88, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday March 11, 2018 at Cypress House, Swift Current, SK. Mary is survived by her eldest son, Abe (Donna) Funk, and their children, Derek (Jessica) Funk (Nora and Shaya) and Stacey (Colin) Waldie (Thalia and Ethan); her youngest son, Russell Funk, and his children, Ashley and Lauren Funk; her stepchildren, Barry (Diane) Hildebrandt, and their children, Travis Hildebrandt (Jaxon) and Tracy Hildebrandt, Gaylia (Gerald) Wiens, and their children, Lisa (Darryk) Noble (Abbie and Rachel), Gerod (Stephanie) Wiens (Emmerson, Keaton, and Everett), and Scott (Amanda Whitehead) Wiens; her three sisters; and by her extended family. Mary was preceded in death by her first husband, Jake Funk, in 1983; their firstborn children, Benjamin and Sarah Funk; her grandson, Jason Funk (Abe & Donna Funk’s third child); her second husband, John Hildebrandt, in 2015; her parents, Frank & Katherine Dueck; and by her sister and four brothers.

Mary Hildebrandt was born May 17, 1929 on the family farm in Main Centre, SK to Frank & Katherine Dueck. Mary first learned to sew, bake, and cook on the family homestead and attended Lobethal School, where she first developed a passion for softball and soccer, later joining a women’s softball team in Waldeck. A new love then found Mary, and after a two-year courtship to Jake Funk, they were wed on July 10, 1947 in Gouldtown, SK. They moved to Manitoba, where Abe and Russell were born. Jake & Mary spent a few short years in Manitoba before moving to Waldeck, SK. There, Mary helped raise her sons, babysat for friends and family, helped clean houses, and was the caretaker for the community hall.

After Jake’s passing, Mary remained in her Waldeck home where she assumed new responsibilities and gained her independence. She completed drivers training, obtained her license, and purchased her first car. Mary then married John Hildebrandt and moved to the farm in Blumenhof. Throughout these years, Mary was known for keeping a pristine household, an immaculate garden, her sewing and cross-stitching projects, cooking, and baking. Later in life, Mary developed late onset diabetes and dementia. After being hospitalized, Mary moved to Cypress House in October 2014 to receive full-time care. Until her final days, Mary continued to be a gracious homemaker who was always ready for a visit or for playing games. Until the end, Mary was also devoted to her faith, as demonstrated through her actions and she attended church on a regular basis. The family is saddened by her sudden passing and extends gratitude for her caregivers and all of those that made Mary’s time at Cypress House memorable.

The Funeral Service for Mary Hildebrandt was held on Friday, March 16, 2018 at 2:00 pm from the Church of the Open Bible, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Rob Cochrane officiating. “Amazing Grace,” “Rock of Ages,” and “Shall We Gather at the River” were sung by the congregation under the leadership of Servant of the Word. Special music was brought by Harold Gerbrandt and Kelly Neufeld, who sang “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” and “In the Sweet By and By.” Tributes were given by Russell Funk, Gaylia Wiens, and Mary’s Grandchildren.The ushers in the church were Jenn Bauer and Willie Funk. The Private Interment Service was held prior to the Funeral Service from Mount Pleasant Burial Park, Swift Current, SK.

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