Mark Walter Hildebrand

BERRIEN SPRINGS — Mark Walter Hildebrand, 29, of Berrien Springs, went to his heavenly home on Wednesday, March 3, 2004, at Memorial Hospital, South Bend, Ind. A celebration of his Christian life service will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 6, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Stevensville. The Rev. Gerald Schroer and the Rev. Jonathan Kruschel will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or to Mark’s children. Mark was born July 10, 1974, in St. Joseph, to Walter and Shirley Hildebrand. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, Berrien Springs. He was a graduate of Berrien Springs High School and received a bachelor’s degree in horticulture from Andrews University. He loved playing basketball with his friends, and was a Michigan State fan. Mark was the manager of the family farm, Hildebrand Hills Fruit Farm. He was also the assistant farm manager of the Michigan State University Research and Extension Center in Benton Harbor. On Nov. 27, 1999, he married Megan Dobberstein at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where he was a member. He was the chairman of the New Member Assimilation Committee. Mark is survived by Megan; his daughter, Julia Belle; and his son, Seth Mark. Other survivors include his mother; sister, Sheryl (David) Marsh of Wolverine, Mich.; and three brothers — Glen of Mesa, Ariz., Duane (Keith Snode) of Jackson, Mich., and Greg (Laura) of Greenville, Mich.; nieces, Samantha and Sydney Hildebrand; his in-laws, Don and Lana Schlipp of Stevensville and Larry and Cristle Dobberstein of Eau Claire. He was preceded in death by his father; and grandparents.