On the morning of October 20, 2020, Ralph Hilderbrand heard his Lord say “Come to Me” and “Well done, My good and faithful servant”.
Ralph was born on April 28, 1929 in Sioux County, Nebraska to Cora (Mason) Hilderbrand and Ralph Hilderbrand Sr. He was the oldest of 6 children; sisters Juanita, Emma Jean and Mary Corrine and brothers Eddie and Russell, all of whom preceded him in death.
Times were hard, made even more so by the death of their mother when Ralph was 14. He and his siblings became responsible for taking care of themselves until they could be taken in, sometimes working for room and board. Ralph graduated from Sioux County High School, Harrison, NE in 1947 and soon after joined the Armed Forces serving his country as a member of the Navy Seabees, which was a perfect fit for him. He travelled to Europe and Alaska, working at airfields and military installations. He was proud to have served his country and always teared up when asked to “stand up if you are a veteran”.
Upon his return from the service, he met Ardel Murphy (Deljean) and they were married on August 5, 1956 in Crawford, NE. They were together for 64 years.
Ralph took his talents and his experience from the Navy into his lifelong work, first at Fort Robinson in Nebraska and then at Fort Keogh in Miles City. He seemed to have the ability to figure out any problem and fix anything, and if he didn’t have a tool that would work, he would make one. He had a tremendous work ethic, a trait that he passed on to his children and grandchildren. When Ralph wasn’t working, you could find him rooting on the Custer County Cowboys and Cowgirls, watching Cornhusker football, checking horse race results on the computer, reading a Louis L’Amour or Zane Grey paperback, or talking on the phone often ending the call with a signature “so long”.
Ralph accepted the Lord as his Savior at the age of 8 when he went forward with his mother at a revival near Harrison, NE. As he grew in his faith, much in part to the witness of Deljean, he often talked about what must have been God’s hand of protection on him and his siblings through those early tough times. One story he often told was of fishing one day. He said that there were a lot of other men on the bank, but he was the only one who caught fish and that he caught just enough to feed him and his brothers and sisters. He thought a lot about things like that.
Ralph was a member of The First Baptist Church in Chadron, NE, then of a church he helped build in Crawford, NE. For the last 51 years he has served as a member of the First Baptist Church in Miles City, MT. His relationship with Jesus guided his life. He was a faithful, prayerful man.
Ralph loved his family, his extended family, his church family and countless friends and acquaintances. He showed it through words and hugs, fixing something for someone, and often, if he happened to have one in his pocket, giving out a Werther’s candy. It was one way of telling you that you were important to him.
He is survived by his wife, Deljean, son Mark (Ann), Cori (Cal) Schock and Scott (Kim) and his grandchildren Alex (Chanelle) and Max (Jessica) , Casey and Cody Schock (Zoie Kaupish), and Kolby (Lonnie) Christopher, Tanner (Siri Christensen) and Kylie and great grandson Odin. He also is survived by a half-brother, Raymond.Ralph was admitted to the hospital on the Friday before his death. Because of restrictions, none of his family could be with him. However, through technology, on that last day of Ralph’ life, we were given the precious gift of being able to say goodbye. Ralph left this world with a sweet nurse holding his hand. Ralph often times responded to an “I love you” with “I love you back”. Some of the last words he said were “I love those guys like crazy”. We sure do love you back. So long.
A memorial service will be held on May 1, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Miles City. Inurnment will be held at the Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery with full military honors. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Ruben and June Opp says
Deljean,and family, we are so sorry to hear our very dear friend has gone to his heavenly home,but know that is where he was ready to go.We know he will be missed by many people and at First Baptist. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all may God bless and comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Love Ruben and June Opp
Melinda Tangen says
Deljean, I am so sorry for your loss.
Rick Newby says
Wow…sorry to hear this. Good man.
TJ Cape says
Deljean, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers your way.
Cheryl Tonn says
I am so sorry to hear this news. I have thought of him often these past few months. I’ve missed our chance encounters as he was driving out and I was in my driveway. He would roll his window down and we would have a little chat. Heaven has gained such a nice man.
Cherie LeBlanc says
A beautiful soul has entered the Kingdom of Heaven. Ralph was an incredibly kind man. Sending big hugs and prayers to the family.
Denise and Jay Harvey says
What a wonderful person and our thoughts and prayers are with you as you find comfort in sweet precious memories and the legacy he has left.
Dotti Green says
Deljean and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. He was a good and kind person. Please take comfort in knowing you are in our thought and prayers.
Sandy Meidinger says
Deljean
So sorry about your loss Ralph was a very caring and love able guy and will be missed
He would teach me a lot just watching him and talking to him.
You take care and you will always be in my prayers.
Love you lots!!!
Ed & Melva Curnan says
Our prayers and condolences to Mark,Ann,Scott,Cory,Alex and Max. Ralph will be surely missed. God bless the Hilderbrand family.
Phyllis Anderson Stevens says
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Hilderbrands passing! He was a such a wonderful man and I always enjoyed our visits! You’re all in my prayers as Heaven as gained another angel!
MARTHA CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Cara Willson says
Deljean, Cori, Mark and families, I am so sorry for your loss! I adored Ralph from my First Baptist days and loved seeing him at the horse races. He will be missed. Hugs to you all.
Ken &Agnes Dra says
We have so many fond memories of Ralph over the years especially him and Ken making the pancakes on Easter morning at church,He was a great man and will be greatly missed Sorry we can’t be there as we are in SC. Love and God Bless You and family
Maureen Larson says
Deljean and family – I was so sorry to hear this news. I hold so many fond memories of this kind gentleman and know he will be missed by many as he touched many lives. I truly consider myself very fortunate to have known him. God bless all of you!
Eileen Reddick says
Deljean, and family, I am so sorry for your loss. He was always so nice to work with at the C.O.P.S. Pancake suppers. Will miss him, may he Rest In Peace.
SANDY O'BRIEN says
Dear Deljean, My most sincere sympathy at Ralph’s passing. I pray that your memories help to sustain you thru this difficult time. I bet that Ralph is heavens newest handy man. May he R.I.P. Love &
Prayers for you & the Family, Sandy O’Brien
Lissa Power says
Deljean, Cori, Mark and families,
I am so sorry for your loss! It was such a pleasure working with Ralph on Habitat for Humanity projects. Such a kind man! He will be missed.
Lori Reed says
I remember Ralph from my early years at the First Baptist Church.. Such a wonderful man!
Sandy Anderson says
Deljean and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Will keep you all in my prayers.
Paul Mottram says
This is sad news to us–Sorry to you Deljean and Cori and all of you–We all wish we could avoid this happening. Know we are with you in heart as you go through this difficult time. We cherish all the times we had with you and the family–you gave our family much joy over the years. We will be thinking of you as you celebrate his life. Love you all so much=Paul and Gerry Mottram
Kevin and Sheila Krausz says
Deljean and Families,
Sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. May you find comfort in your memories of him.
Ginger Huckins says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed seeing Ralph while shopping.
Pam Rogge says
You have been in my thoughts and prayers at this time and will continue to be in the days ahead. Ralph was truly a gentleman who will be missed by many. Rest in peace Ralph and God Bless!
Joann and Rick Powell says
Deljean, Cori, Mark, and Scott,
We are so sorry to hear about Ralph. We was one of the kindest and nicest person you will ever know. He was so special to our whole family. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Wanda Gresens says
To the whole family
Sending my sympathy it is hard to loss family members especially in these trying times .
Cathy Johnson says
My deepest sympathy to Deljean and family on Ralph’s passing, I will sure miss seeing him.
God Bless
Connie Grote says
Deljean, (Casey & Mabel Hamaker’s daughter, Connie Grote here) I am so sorry to hear the news of Ralph’s passing. Condolences to you and the family. Not easy to continue alone after 65 years. Do pray you still have your health & that your children are near. Hugs to you all. Connie
Jane Viall says
Ralph had such a generous heart. He was always a blessing to me. Ralph and Deljean were such good friends for my mom and dad. You are all in my heart and prayers. I wish I could carry your grief even for just a day.
Alandra Hill says
This makes me so incredibly sad! Ralph was a special person to me! We had so many nice talks, and he always had a Werther’s for me. I thought of him often in these later years. May your memories and your faith in the Lord bring you peace at this sad time.
Jim and Cathy Bastian says
What a beautifully written tribute to Ralph! He was a kind and gentle man. He left us all realizing the world is a better place because he was in it! Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this hard time.
Chuck and Peggy Steadman says
Thinking of you and your families during this time!
Herman Venable says
What a loss to the world but a gift to heaven and to his long separated friends who met him at the heavenly gates with their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Ralph was such a kind and giving man always quick to serve and to smile.. Although Diane and I have been separated from Ralph and DelJean for years we hold so many happy memories of them in the Black Hills and at potlucks at the church. He did a good job on earth and will be richly rewarded by his Father and Lord.
Kathi (Rooney) Pfeifle says
Deljean and family.
I was so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. He was such a nice man. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I’m so thankful you have the comfort of knowing this is not a final goodbye. God bless you all.
Shannon Holmen says
So very sorry to Ralph’s family. He was always so kind and I think of him whenever I see a “Werthers, hard candy”. He always had a pocketful and ready to share. Here’s to happy memories.
Patty Ward says
I am so sorry for your loss, Ralph is with Jesus now and he will be missed by all of you and his friends.
Ralph always helped everyone, he fixed my basement showered when it quit working, he wouldn’t let me pay him . I have been absent from the Church due to health reasons. I have missed everyone. Thoughts and prayers for Deljean and family.🙏 🙏🙏
Rest in Peace
Jean Jones says
Deljean and family,
Ralph was a wonderful, kind man. I will miss seeing him.
Thinking of you all.
Jean Jones
Kevin &Lori Donnelly says
Story to here of your loss. Didn’t know him very well worked with him a little bit at fort Keogh. The kids I knew better. He should be proud of thee way they turned out. Very nice people and God bless you and your timeless of sorrow.
Rod & Sue Heitschmidt says
Dear Deljean and family,
It is with great sadness that I am sending a note to one of my best friend’s family. He was one of my real life heroes. He reminds me so much of my father and grandfather; slow to anger, quiet, caring, and giving. He was a Godly soul who truly paracticed the art of giving of himself to the betterment of all mankind. His professional talents far exceeded his education. There was nothing I didn’t believe Ralph could not “fix”. I am so grateful that Ralph worked at Fort Keogh. It was an honor to have him on the staff as it was an honor to call him my friend. God bless you all and I will see you May 1.
Rod and Sue Heitschmidt
Alan & Sue Smith says
Deljean – Sue and I were saddened to learn of your loss while I was talking with Wilma Eaton this morning. Ralph was such a fine man. We will never forget riding with you and Ralph out to Spray’s cabin on our 60th class reunion. What a fine memory. The pink teargas pistol you had in your SUV impressed me so much I bought one just like it. It always reminds me of you guys and that fine summer day. You and your family are in our prayers. Alan
Liz Wheeler says
Dear Deljean family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chris Hardy
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Prayers for Ralph’s family. He was a kind man, I met him when he was watching girls basketball and my daughter was a player. I have good memories of him and his kindness and thoughtfulness over the years.
Joe and Cathi Peila says
Sincere sympathy to all of Ralph’s family. We first met through Stonecroft bible studies and enjoyed visiting each and every time we would meet, sometimes at the local sporting events. He was kind man of integrity and leaves a legacy that testifies of a life well lived.
Terri L Stevenson says
To all of Ralph’s family, He was such a special person. He was always at The First Baptist Church to help us set up when needed. He had such a servants heart, and will be dearly missed. Years ago we all sat together in the same section for many a basketball game for the Cowboys and Cowgirls. Ralph dearly loved his family and was so proud of each one of you. Much love and prayers to all of you at this time of grief. I can only imagine his homecoming and being greeted by my Granny (Louise Nicholson) and so many others that have gone before.
Dee Bickle says
I am so sorry for your loss! Heaven gained a angel.
Marc and Denise Hartse says
Our sympathies to the entire Hildebrand family.
Paul Hilderbrand says
Uncle Ralph will always be held in high esteem in my memory. A real saint of a man who always had time for everyone and always wanted to know about you. I will always remember visiting Miles city about 45 years ago and hunting arrowheads together. Then and each time i saw him afterr that he exuded character and integrity that was undeniable. A true man of God that has been reunited with his siblings that he cared for and nourished when no one else did. Thank you uncle Ralph for showing so many people what it looks like to live a godly life. Im proud and fortunate to be your nephew.
V says
So so sorry for your loss, Ralph was a tremendous help to me on a project at the Fort long ago. Recently we reconnected over antiques. He was a prince among men. We were blessed to have known him.
Mike Mangen says
Deljean and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. He was such a good and godly man. We will always have fond memories of him, helping my folks with stuff, driving the church bus and his smile.
Mike and Dorrie Mangen
Cindy Berg says
To all the Hilderbrand family,
Our hearts go out to all of you at this sad time. What a nice man Ralph was. Hold close your wonderful memories. What a legacy he has left in all of you. God bless you all.
Cindy and Dale Berg
Rick says
Mark its never easy losing a parent lost my dad 2 yrs. And mom 12 yrs. Ago but to u, your wife and entire family sorry for the loss at these times its not easy but yet they always with us in someway in life .. my prayers and thoughts go out to u and tour entire family at this time of sorrow
Bob & Sandy Short says
It is hard to believe that Ralph is gone. He seemed so ageless, looking the same year after year. He was a talented, respected man. Peace to the family.
Webb Johnson says
Deljean and family, I read about Ralph’s passing in the paper. I was sad to see that. Ralph was always nice to be around. I wish you the best in overcoming the loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sincerely Webb Johnson
Nadine Whitehead says
Cori, so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers for comfort are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Joyce Havenga says
Dear Deljean and family. Sincere Condolences to you. So sorry to learn of Ralph’s passing. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.