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BORN
1949
DIED
2023
Gary Hildebrandt Obituary
Gary Hildebrandt, age 73, of Sanford died in the early morning hours on Wednesday, February 22, 2023. He was surrounded by family throughout his entire last day on earth before peacefully gaining his angel wings.
Gary was born on March 29, 1949, son of the late Lydia (Kroll) and the late Robert Hildebrandt. Gary was blessed to have the late Allen J Cole, Sr become his Dad in 1952. Gary married the love of his life, Beverly (Boulis) on December 11, 1970. They created a beautiful family during their 52 years of marriage. Gary is survived by his children Cari (Tony) Mills, Marc (Lori) Hildebrandt, Nikcole (Jermaine) Jackson, and former son-in-law Patrick McVey. He was most proud to be the grandpa/papa of 8 wonderful grandchildren: Taylor Jackson, Jade (Rob) Giering, Je'len Jackson, Blake Hildebrandt, Nikcolas Jackson, Julia Jackson, Ian McVey, and Chloe McVey. Gary became extra blessed with two great granddaughters, Emilia and Ellie Giering. Gary loved being part of a large family of brothers and sisters. He was a little brother to Phillip Cole, Janet Rhodes, Karen (Stan) Carter, Bobby Hildebrandt and Annalee (Gary) Briggs and a big brother to Dennis Cole, Allen Cole Jr, Bill Cole, Denise Cole, and Jerry (Bethany) Cole. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Gary was predeceased by his brothers Phillip, Bobby and Allen Jr.
Gary completed Saint Mary's X-ray Technician Program, and furthered his career by passing the Nuclear Medicine and CAT Technologist Exams. He had a lengthy and successful career with Bay Medical Center, then moved to a private clinic affiliated with St. Mary's Hospital, and finished his career as a traveling instructor. Gary also volunteered as a firefighter for Jerome Township Fire Department for many years.
Gary inspired and touched the lives of many in the Sanford community as a basketball, softball and baseball coach. He cherished coaching basketball at Meridian Public Schools. He was eager to love, help, teach, and support many. With his extroverted personality, gift of gab, and quick smile, he never met a stranger. He loved singing, outdoor activities, sketching, woodworking and tinkering in the garage. Gary passed along his passion and ability for fixing cars and throwing tools to his son and grandsons. He was always his children and grandchildren's biggest fan at any sporting event, never missing a game. Most importantly, he fiercely loved and cherished time with his family and his God. "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."-Psalm 73:26
Please join us in celebration of Gary's life on March 18, 2023 at 1pm with luncheon to follow
Lighthouse Body of Christ Church
693 Isabella Rd (M20)
Midland, Michigan
In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are to consider memorial contributions to: Village of Sanford Recovery Fund, with donations going toward the efforts of rebuilding the Little League Park. Please send memorials in honor of Gary Hildebrandt to: Village of Sanford, P.O. Box 30, Sanford, MI 48657
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Hildebrandt
John Vargas
March 15, 2023
So sorry to hear about Gary passing.
Wish I would have kept in touch with the two of you over the years. That was a beautiful obituary that you prepared Beverly
John Vargas
March 15, 2023
So sorry to hear about Gary passing.
I should have kept in touch with you and Gary over the years. I often thought of the two of you. Gary was truly a very good person. The last time I saw the two of you was at an airport in Texas. You were one of the best Medical assistants I ever had Beverly.
Cheryl iller
March 14, 2023
Sending many heartfelt condolences, prayers & virtual hugs. Gary has always been one of my favorite persons along with Bev. Love you guys, Cheryl Miller
Chad & Lynn Yarger
March 13, 2023
Sorry to hear of Gary´s passing Bev. We know it´s been hard. Such a larger than life kind of guy. He always stopped to ask Chad how he was feeling when he would see him outside despite his own struggles. It meant alot to us. Our sincere condolences and prayers for you and your family. He will always be remembered and loved.
Kathy Squires
February 28, 2023
Bev and Family,
Sending Hugs and Prayers for all of you. To my "Forever Birthday Buddy" I will continue to celebrate you every March 29th as we have since childhood. Love you Buddy.
Kathy Jo McRoberts~Squires
Charlie & Reushan Russian
February 28, 2023
Dear Bev and family,
Reushan and I are so saddened by Gary's passing. Our families go back to when we moved to Sanford in the fall of 85. I especially remember our families spending the weekend in East Lansing watching the semi finals and finals of boys basketball. I hired Gary for Meridian's 9th grade boys basketball coach and watched him grow as a coach. Watching our kids play in softball and baseball at the state level was exciting. Having Gary over with the guys for drinks before we drove to Dagwood's for a burger and a beer prior to the Class A semi finals was so much fun. Glad he was part of the group. Peace be with you and the family. My blessing fill your heart.
Love Charlie & Reushan
Esther ODell
February 26, 2023
What a kind and friendly man Gary was. This was not in God's plans for man to die we are so saddened for the heartache death brings but God made a way that is so wonderful to remember HE IS CONING BACK SOON TO GATHER HIS CHILDREN HOME.Keep this in your minds and comfort each other with it. Hugs to all of Gary's family and friends the best is yet to come.
Deborah Gofton
February 24, 2023
Gary and Bev were great close friends . We always met at Sanford Red Oak for 2 buck Tuesday and visited each other often. Our hearts are heavy with his passing but warmed in the knowledge he is home with Our Lord in Heaven and we shall meet again one day. Love and prayers to all his and Bevs families, Jim and Deb Gofton
Gary&Diane Soper
February 24, 2023
Dearest Bev and family, Gary and I were saddened to read of Gary's passing today ,Gary and I hold many memories of the 2 of them playing ball together for The Mason Jar and winning City Championship...then to both coach Little League for the boys in the Villiage of Sanford together.
We will both continue to pray for your families, as it's never goodbye, but see you later in paradise with Jesus
Kim
February 24, 2023
So sorry to hear of your loss. MY thoughts and prayers to you Bev, and your family.
Warmly,
Kim Leigeb-Jimenez
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