Frederic Hilbert Obituary

HILBERT, FREDERIC Wayland, MI "Lived a life of constant amazement" Frederic Hilbert, age 101, of Sentinel Pointe, formerly of Wayland, passed away July 4, 2014. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Laverna and his wife of 23 years, Evelyn; his son, Michael; his grandson, Todd; his daughter-in-law, Lynne Hilbert; his brother, Russel and his sisters, Juanita and Helen. Fred will be lovingly remembered by his children, Kenneth (Jane) Hilbert, John Hilbert, and E. Scott (Kathleen) Hilbert; his daughter-in-law, Jerrie Hilbert; his grandchildren, Blair (Chad) Johnson, Matthew (Courtney) Hilbert, Carson (Justin) Ederle, Vail (Alejandro Fernandez) Hilbert, Andrew Hilbert, Ashley Hilbert, Quinn Hilbert and Zoe Hilbert; his great-grandchildren, Ava, Piper and Cade Johnson, Sophie, Anais and Isla Hilbert, and Skylar Grace Ederle; and many nieces and nephews. Fred attended and played football for Western Michigan University. He was the former owner and operator of the Cowbell Seed Company which he began in 1930, and was later named Amturf Seeds. Fred founded the Plank Road Farm. From 1960-1964, he sat on the State Senate and was later appointed by his friend Governor Milliken to be on the Tax Appeal Board and the State Compensation Committee. Fred was a former District Governor for the Rotary Club, a life member of the Middleville Masonic Temple, a Shriner, a Volunteer Fireman, and sat on the Village Council. Fred was an adventurer and world traveler, having been to over 54 countries by his 50th anniversary to Laverna. He sought out knowledge in every form and followed current events. Fred was a devoted Detroit Tigers fan, beginning when all the legends of the game played. His greatest passion was fishing, especially on Gun Lake and he often carried around a boat on his truck. A time for relatives and friends to visit with Fred's family will be held 10-11 AM Thursday, July 17, at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Services in Wayland, 312 N. Main St., where his funeral service will be held at 11 AM. A private interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery. In honor of Fred, contributions may be made to the Henika District Library, Wounded Warriors or the charity of your choice. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guestbook online at www.kubiakcook.com.

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Published by Grand Rapids Press from Jul. 10 to Jul. 13, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Frederic Hilbert

8 Entries

Steve C Smith

July 4, 2025

May Fred continue to rest in peace. July 4, 2025.

Barry Brower

November 5, 2014

Fred and LaVerna Hilbert were close friends of my folks, Ford and Olive Brower. As a young man growing up in Wayland I spent many days at Fred and Laverna's house on East Superior. They were guests of my folks too many times to count and I still have numerous family photos of which they were frequently a part.

As a teenager, State Senator Fred took me down to Lansing for a weekend visit where I met many of the legislators and was driven home by then Senator, later Governor Bill Milliken of Traverse City, who I believe is still alive.

I had hoped to visit Fred last year when I was in Grand Rapids but, regretfully, was unable to do so. The Hilbert family was a major part of my adoslescent years and I remember them fondly. My condolences to all.

September 30, 2014

Just missed serving with him in the Legislature, but I read and heard about him. Great guy --- What a life! --- Bill Ballenger

Joe and Jonay Casares

July 15, 2014

Fred has made such a difference in our family's life. Joe and I will always remember the laughter and the fun talks we had with Fred and Evie. Their sweet spirits and kindness to everyone was a blessing we will remember. I loved hearing him sing to everyone, and know I will never forget he and Evie holding hands in their apartment, and telling each other, "I love you."

Our condolences to the Hilbert Family- praying good memories will keep you smiling in this very difficult time.

Steve Smith

July 13, 2014

Fred had known me, Steve, the son of Bish Smith – friend and business partner, all of my life. I have worked for him, fished with him, and golfed with him. He always commented that I had the smoothest back swing, something I learned when I attended Michigan State University. I will always be indebted to Fred. It was his good word that assured that I was admitted to the Veterinary College at MSU and I am quite sure that he was always proud of my accomplishments and I am thankful for his confidence in me. I admired Fred for his world travels and I know that he admired me, having worked for the United States Department of Agriculture and spending many years working in foreign countries. We had many discussions about agriculture in developing countries. Thanks to Cowbell Seeds' and Fred's investment in Plank Road Farm, my formative years were spent on the farm in a supportive and nurturing environment and forever influenced my life. Fred was a good friend to me and my family, I fondly remember him always coming by the house to drop off a mess of blue gills. During my Dad's extended illness at the end of his life, I greatly appreciated Fred checking to see that Dad was comfortable. I give my condolences to his family and extend best wishes to the “Hilbert Boys”.
Steve Smith

Ernie Strong

July 13, 2014

Fred was a great follower of Wayland athletics, attending many games over the years. I remember his kind comments to me after the games our teams played. My sympathies to the family.

Joe Casares

July 13, 2014

Fred was more than a friend to me, he was like a grandfather that I never had,we loved watching the Tiger games together and the UofM football games. I will miss him dearly, RIP Fred, I love you and Evie

Debra Miller-Jeffery

July 12, 2014

Condolences to his family.

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