Henry Hildebrandt

Henry was predeceased by his parents, Abram & Tina Hildebrandt; his four siblings, Ike Hildebrandt, Kathy (Jake) Dyck, Pete Hildebrandt, and Molly (John) Koop.

Henry leaves to mourn his passing his devoted wife, Caroll Hildebrandt; his son, Derin Hildebrandt (Ashley Hein), and grandchildren, Alissa (Doug Barr), Amy (Aaron Hepting), Matthew Hildebrandt, and Preston Hildebrandt; his step- grandchildren, Avairy Hein and Tucker Hein; his daughter, Denise (Reg Block), and their children, Clarke Block (Hannah), Juliana Block, and Gabrielle Block; Henry’s first great-grandchild, Lydia Hepting, was born December 2022. He is also survived by his sisters, Anne (Bill) Wall, Helen (Ron) Wegner, Betsy (Wally) Weiser, and Sally Friesen; and by his sister-in-law, Helen Hildebrandt.

Henry Hildebrandt was born in Swift Current, SK on October 31, 1942 to Abram & Tina Hildebrandt. Henry was the seventh born of nine children, and the youngest son. He spent his entire life on the Hildebrandt homestead, which has now been in the family for 106 years.

As a child, Henry remembered being “mothered” by his older sisters and playing with the youngest set of children, which included his sisters Betsy and Sally. He loved working on the farm with his older brothers and his father. Henry was an excellent student, earning top marks in anything he attempted.

When Henry was 16 years old, he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Saviour when an evangelist came to his community. That decision set the standard for the rest of his life.

Following Henry’s graduation from high school, he attended Briercrest Bible College for three years, earning his Pastor’s Course with a focus on Theology. It was at Briercrest that a tall, beautiful blonde nurse caught his eye, and she, in turn, was instantly drawn to his stunning blue eyes and quiet confident nature. Henry & Caroll were married at Rhineland Church on July 10, 1965.

Meanwhile, Henry earned his Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors in Chemistry from the University of Saskatchewan, took the required courses to enter medicine, and was accepted into Medical School. During his time at University, Henry pursued flying, earning his private pilot’s license. Later, he purchased his own airplane, and constructed a runway on the farm so that he could fly whenever he wanted.

After being accepted into medical school, Henry’s trajectory changed, and he instead chose to come back and make farming his primary career. His desire was to be as available as possible for his family. Henry rented his first field when he was 17 years old, and farmed for 63 years. For many years, he worked full time as a Social Worker for Social Services while still running the farm, and later he scaled back his hours with Social Services. During this time, the Hildebrandt home would be a safe haven for many single mothers, children, and teenagers that needed short-term foster care.

In October of 1968, Henry & Caroll welcomed Derin, who was then joined by Denise in November of 1970. Together, they raised Derin and Denise to know and love the Lord. Henry also loved to teach his children to sing and savor music. They enjoyed traveling together as a family, making trips to California, Florida and many other locations in Canada and the US.

As their children grew and married, they reveled in the newfound joy of being grandparents, cherishing their time with Alissa, Amy, Clarke, Juliana, Matthew, and Gabrielle. Time together at the farm was magical for their grandchildren — learning the ins and outs of farming, riding the quad, building snow forts, feeding cats, jumping on the trampoline, target practice with pellet guns, and learning to drive the farm machinery. Later on, Avairy, Tucker, and Preston experienced the joys of farm life as well.

Henry adored his family and prayed fervently for them. He also wholeheartedly believed in staying involved in the church. Some of his many roles there included youth leader, Sunday School teacher, worship leader, elder, small group leader, Alpha facilitator, and he often provided informal counsel. Henry took many missions trips as well, serving in places such as Panama, Mexico, and Germany. Henry & Caroll also traveled to Europe, Hawaii, and Israel.

Henry worked as an Emergency Coordinator for the Canadian Red Cross and the Saskatchewan Emergency Services Organization, supporting families and businesses who had been devastated by natural disasters. His calm demeanor, wise counsel, distinct ability to read people, and his huge heart for others made him a natural in this role. In the local community, he was involved with the RM of Swift Current in a variety of capacities from Councilor, to Reeve, and most recently, an Ombudsman for the RM.

Music was always a love of Henry’s and he was involved in many singing groups from the time he was in college. Most recently, the men’s quartet, “Exodus,” was formed and together they released two CD’s. Exodus performed together for over 12 years.

Henry loved a good pun, dessert after every meal (including breakfast if donuts were available), a quick nap in his recliner, watching the news, and was always fascinated by learning. He stretched himself by studying investments and was consistently up on new farming practices. He was determined to continue farming as long as he could and had recently told Caroll that he hoped to “die with his boots on.”

On Saturday, April 15, he had a traumatic accident working on the farm and was called to meet his Saviour in the early morning of Sunday, April 16, 2023. While we cannot fathom that he is gone, we are assured that he is in his heavenly home, worshipping our Lord Jesus Christ face to face, and we look forward to reuniting with him there someday.

The Celebration of Life for Henry Hildebrandt was held on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 3:00 pm from Trailview Alliance Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Milton Friesen officiating. “It is Well” was sung by the congregation under the leadership of Matthew Hildebrandt, with Amy Hepting serving as pianist. 1 John 1:5-10 was read by Reg Block. Special music was brought by Henry’s family, who sang “Because He Lives,” and “Reach One More for Jesus” by Denise Block and Alissa Barr. Tributes were given by Derin Hildebrandt, Denise Block, and Henry’s Grandchildren. The ushers in the church were John & Ruth Kehler and Ben & Kathy Kroeker. The prerecorded music was “Jesus is Coming” and “Stepping on the Clouds” by Exodus.

The service card is posted below.

The Private Interment Service was held prior to the Celebration of Life from the Hildebrandt Heritage Cemetery, Wymark District, SK with Derin Hildebrandt, Reg Block, and Henry’s grandchildren serving as Pallbearers. 

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