Erwin Hildebrand

Erwin (Butch) George Hildebrand, 81, former resident of Watervliet and Hartford, died on Monday, July 9, 2012 at Lakeland Continuing Care Center in St. Joseph. Arrangements have been entrusted with Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home of St. Joseph. Erwin was born October 15, 1930 in St. Joseph, MI to Gustaf and Katrine (Ryll) Hildebrand. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1948. Erwin served his country while in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a parts manager over 20 years at Rogel’s in Watervliet. Erwin was a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Coloma, and a former member of the VFW. He enjoyed golf, bowling, casino’s, helping on the farm and fixing cars. Erwin is survived by his four children, Timothy (Darcel) Hildebrand of Hartford, Tom (Sarah) Hildebrand of Plainwell, Cathy (Ray) Dalrymple of St. Joseph and Connie (Mitchell) Hirsch of St. Joseph; two grandchildren, Hillary and Bradley Dalrymple; a sister, Alberta Kettlehut of Benton Harbor; his caregiver and friend Tammy Rodgers; and his beloved Max, who he loved to house sit for.. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers-Art and Harold and two sisters-Dorothy and Hildegard. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, July 13, 10:00 A.M., at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI, with Pastor Andrew Menz officiating. Visitation is on Thursday, July 12, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Salem Lutheran Church of Coloma, or to the Athletic Department at St. Joseph High School. Friends wishing to leave a message of condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com