Donald L. Hildebrand

Donald L. Hildebrand, age 76, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 12:05 a.m., on Monday, May 8, 2017, at home, surrounded by his loving family. To honor Don's life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, May 12, 2017, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, with Rev. Jay Ilten officiating. To celebrate Don's life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, May 11, 2017, at Behr Funeral Home. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.Don was born on September 25, 1940, in Dyersville, son of Clement and Lorraine (Kramer) Hildebrand. Don grew up in the Dyersville and Dubuque area and was a proud graduate of Dubuque Senior High School, Class of 1958. He would immediately join the U.S. Marine Corps at the spry young age of 17 and honorably devoted 3 years of his early adult life to the Corps before finally returning home to begin his 31 year tour with John Deere Dubuque Works. He enjoyed his time, and companionship with friends, in the Tool Shop at Deere's...[more]

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til his eagerly anticipated retirement became a reality in 1998. Don would eventually meet his beautiful bride, Carolyn Theis, and they would be united in marriage on February 2, 2002. They were blessed with 15 wonderful years together, and a combined family of 5 children and 10 grandchildren, before Don was called to his eternal home this morning. Don loved his family, friends, country and Corps and would continually display his admiration for all on a daily basis. Don also diligently invested years of his life to the Dubuque Detachment Marine Corps League and was not only a very active and willing volunteer on the funeral detail, but also held the distinction of Commandant during his service. Sadly, Don has solemnly saluted his last fellow veteran while standing at their graveside. This week a final salute will be raised in Don's honor as we say a temporary goodbye to our loving husband, father, friend and hero. We thank you Don for all of the sacrifices you've made during your 76 years here on earth and we pray that the Lord keeps you safe and comfortable in His arms until we meet again. Those left to cherish Don's memory includehis loving wife,
Carolyn Hildebrand, Dubuque, IA;his 3 children,
Christopher (Julie) Hildebrand, Madison, WI,
Mary Lynn (Allen) Hitz, Prior Lake, MN
and Matthew (Katie) Hildebrand, Barrington, IL;his 2 step-children,
Dave (Julie) Theis, Dubuque, IA
and Deb (Scott Smith) Theis, Dubuque, IA;his 10 grandchildren,
Jacob and Claire Hitz, Anna and John Hildebrand, Aiden, Ella and Gavin Hildebrand, Chris and Katey Theis and Kelly (Nicole Launspach) Hoffmann.Don was preceded in death by his parents.A Donald L. Hildebrand memorial fund has been established, which will be distributed among his favorite charities.Don's family would like to thank all of Don's friends, and the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, for all of the support, kindness and compassionate care of Don, and his family, these past few weeks. To read the full obituary, please click here: http://hosting-22883.tributes.com/obituary/show/donald-l.-don-hildebrand-104759632