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John Hildebrand Obituary
January 5, 1933 - May 13, 2025
Dr. John Earl Hildebrand, MD, with his wife of nearly 70 years at his side, died peacefully at home on May 13, 2025. He was 92. A resident of Flagstaff for 59 years, he was a respected surgeon, and an avid bird watcher, hiker, and skier. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and a friend to many.
Dr. John was born January 5, 1933, in Ithaca, NY. He graduated from Texas A&M University and the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX. In medical school, he met and married his wife Rebecca (Becky) Bentley, June 11, 1955. He served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in Germany for three years before returning to Santa Barbara, CA, to complete his residency in General Surgery. In August 1966, he and Becky moved to Flagstaff with their four daughters to settle into life, and what a life it was.
Dr. John began his medical career in Flagstaff and Williams when there were no surgical sub-specialists in the region, so he was a true general surgeon. Throughout his long career, he was also an active leader in the community. He served on the FUSD School Board from 1975 to 1980, led Boy Scout and Girl Scout hikes, mapped a section of the Arizona Trail, served as naturalist for Colorado River trips, and supported local environmental and scientific programs.
Always curious and scientific by nature, he explored Arizona and every continent. He hiked all the official trails in the Grand Canyon and some that weren't. He cultivated a childhood interest for birds into a life-long passion and life list of at least 4199 birds. The benefit of bird watching, he said, was that you had to be outside to do it. This love of the outdoors and the natural world is his legacy to his family.
He is survived by his wife, Becky, daughters Margo Donnelly (Mark), Beth Battles (Brandon), Kathleen Wavering (Mark), Carolyn Kohrs (Doug), and brother, Paul Hildebrand (Rebecca). He also leaves his cherished twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Celebration of Life
Sunday, August 3, 2025, 2-5 p.m.
The Elks Club, 2101 N San Francisco St, Flagstaff
Condolences may be shared with the family at norvelowensmortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Hildebrand
Sponsored by Norvel Owens Mortuary - Flagstaff.
Burkhard Franke
July 21, 2025
Dr John was one of my first Porsche customer to service and to repair his 1960 / 356 B . I came to Flagsaff from Germany within two weeks when Becky and John arrived in Flagstaff . I was his Patient for many years, what a gentleman and friend!
Patricia B Hopkin
June 17, 2025
Dr. John was such a good Dr. He took very good care of my mother, Mrs. Portillo and my family, he was the best. Thank you, Dr. Hildebrand. May you rest in eternal peace! Deepest condolences to the Hildebrand family.
Respectfully Patricia Hopkin, Phoenix, AZ.
Susan L Walkup
June 1, 2025
He was a fine person.
May he rest in peace.
Susan L Walkup
Christine L Willett Saffell
June 1, 2025
Was just sharing my tonsillectomy experience and "cinder-raspberried" knee with a friend just last week on a medical trip to Flag from Eagar. Dr John was more concerned about my scraped knee than the surgery results but both turned out fine. That was in August, 1970. My mom worked for Dr Flohr and there was a great report between everyone. Sadly, Dr John was unable to save my dad in April,1992, but we all knew Dr John had done everything possible. Your husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather was a man dearly respected and equally appreciated. Thank you for sharing him with each of us.
Cindy Roth
May 27, 2025
I´m saddened by the news of Dr. John´s passing. I first met him as a patient in the early 1990s, then was fortunate to work with him at Northern AZ Surgical Associates. I was an RN in Flagstaff for 30 years and knew of John before even meeting him. There was a time on the Imogene trail during the annual Ouray to Telluride race that we next met and chatted for a bit. I thought he was such a sweet and cool guy. And, what a great sense of humor he had! I´m so grateful to have gotten to know him better. Sending thoughts and blessings to his family from my heart.
Sue Rust Kuhn
May 25, 2025
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. John. He was such a kind, caring man. I met him when I was back office assistant for Dr. Becky. Love them bith so much.
Gail Tevere
May 21, 2025
I was so saddened to hear of Dr. John's death. I first met him in 1985, when he hired me as his back office assistant. Over the years he became a friend beyond compare. Always there to support my family and me. So happy I was able to visit he and Dr. Becky last June when I was visiting in Flagstaff. He'll forever be in my memories.
George Ulrich
May 21, 2025
John removed a melanoma, in 1979 - probably saved my life. Enjoyed hiking in Grand Canyon, ski-racing at the Snow Bowl, and looking for birds in Oak Creek and Verde Valley on his bird walks. He was a good friend, always quiet, never excited, and a pleasure be outside with.
George Ulrich
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