David Hildebrandt

After six weeks of illness – surrounded by his family – David Hildebrandt went to his reward in the early hours of Saturday, March 14, 2020. He was born on August 23, 1930 as the 10th child to Jacob and Katharina (née Epp) Hildebrandt in Blumenort, Chihuahua, Mexico. As a child born early in the Great Depression, to a family that had immigrated to Mexico from Canada only 4 years prior to his birth, he knew the meaning of hard work and enjoyed few luxuries. His early youth was shaped by the turmoil of a world at war and he would recount to his family later how the discussions in town revolved around the question, “What is Hitler up to now?” Working the land was in his family’s DNA and he participated eagerly as they helped transformed the semi-arid Bustillos valley into an agricultural center for northern Mexico. When he was 14 years old his beloved mother passed away and he thought he would never be happy again, but he often recounted how he had been blessed with a loving step-mother that lavished him with the same love and compassion as his mother. In 1951 he married Sarah Boldt and the Lord gave them 5 children, 2 of which died in infancy. He was widowed when his wife died suddenly during a routine medical procedure. In 1962, he married Sarah Guenther and the Lord blessed them with another 8 children, 1 of which died in infancy. His second wife preceded him in death in 1998 after a lengthy illness. He was also preceded in death by two of his sons, David in 2006 and John in 2008. David was raised by God-fearing parents that instilled a love for the Word of God in him. He was saved as a middle-aged man and he loved to tell of the sin-conquering power of God’s saving grace. His life revolved around God and His people and he loved the Church of God. He was widely known and respected as an upright, righteous man. The legacy of this unwavering faith is reflected in the family he raised and the many people he influenced. He is survived by 7 of his beloved children, Elizabeth, Jacob, Henry (Martha), Peter (Lena), Trudy (Lorne), Cornelius (Tina), Franz (Juliet); 2 daughters-in-law, Liesbeth and Judy; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a wide circle of relatives, friends, and a host of his fellow believers. The funeral service was held at the Church of God, Tannendorf Chihuahua Mexico on Monday, March 16, 2020 with Pastor Henry Hildebrandt of Aylmer officiating.