It is with profound sadness we share the loss of our beloved husband, father, son, and brother, Daniel DeBower Hildebrandt, born in Holly, Michigan on September 9, 1958, to Daniel and Dorothy (DeBower) Hildebrandt and raised in Roselle, Illinois.

Above all, Dan loved his family, his daughter Annelise, his son Samuel, his wife of 36 years, Laura, and his mother Dorothy.  Preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, as well as his father Daniel, and his sisters, Deborah and Donna, Dan will be missed by too many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law to name. Just know, you were all deeply loved and appreciated and you enriched his life in more ways than you can know.

An avid sailor, tennis player, golfer, skier and ‘wanna-be’ kite surfer, Dan was also known for his uncanny love of yard work, perhaps attributable to his many childhood experiences on the DeBower family farm in Schuyler, Nebraska. In more recent years, Dan rarely missed an opportunity to participate in the fall harvest at his aunt and uncle’s lovely vineyard in Sonoma, California, where he felt a special connection. Through these many endeavors Dan was fortunate to have made countless cherished friends.

A 1980 graduate of Southern Illinois University, Dan took great pride in hard work, first putting his undergraduate degree in social work to use as a VISTA volunteer and, later, after a stint working and learning to sail in the Virgin Islands, at Jewish Vocational Services in Chicago, helping the less-advantaged reach their full potential. In 1987, he gained his Master’s degree in Labor and Industrial Relations at Michigan State University, after which he spent 27 years working in human resources with General Electric Corporation, first in Cleveland, where Dan and Laura began their married life, and then in Lexington (Kentucky), followed by moves to Waukesha (Wisconsin), Limerick (Ireland), Cincinnati, and, ultimately, a return to the Milwaukee area. Over the course of his time at GE Dan had the opportunity to travel the world, visiting countries including India, China, France, Finland, and others, an experience he found at once challenging and rewarding, and which no doubt inspired his personal wanderlust. Dan loved to travel. Whether for summer visits to Michigan, ski trips out West, beach time in Florida, weddings, or family occasions, Dan was quick to mark his calendar! After his retirement from GE, in 2013, Dan had a fulfilling second career working as an HR consultant for MRA - The Management Association. 

It was in Wisconsin where Dan made his home for most of his married and family life, putting down roots in his beloved North Fairy Chasm neighborhood, in Mequon. There is a special place in our hearts for our Fairy Chasm neighbors who have, over the years, welcomed us, taken us in, and warmed our hearts.

With respect to his battle with Leiomyosarcoma, Dan was truly courageous, leaving no treatment option behind. He loved life and didn’t let his diagnosis nearly four years ago stop him from continuing to make the most of it; in that, he was an inspiration to us all.

On Saturday, December 9 at 10:30, a memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 405 Rush Street, Roselle, Illinois. All are welcome. 

On Sunday, December 10, from 2-5 p.m., friends and family are invited to gather in Dan's memory back home in Mequon. Please join us for a meal and celebration at the  Mequon Public Market (mezzanine level). Come share stories, memories, laughter, as Dan would want for us to do.  Address: 6300 W. Mequon Road, Mequon, Wisconsin.

In the spirit of the season, and to help ensure a full plate for those in need this holiday, memorial contributions in Dan's name are suggested to Family Sharing of Ozaukee County. https://www.familysharingozau…

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