Elmer Hildenbrand

Elmer was born on February 11th, 1925, in Lehr, North Dakota, to his parents, Ben and Maggie (Miller) Hildenbrand. They had a large farm and after the dust-drought years of the 1930s the family moved to Lansing, Michigan where his dad worked in the auto industry.

Elmer graduated from Lansing Sexton High School and enlisted in the U.S. Marines in 1943. He served in the Pacific Islands during World War II and was discharged in 1946.

Elmer met Shirley (Swanson) in 1946 and they were married March 1st, 1947, in Skandia, Michigan.

Elmer joined the East Lansing Fire Department in 1951 and retired in 1984 as Deputy Commander. They moved to the family farm in Skandia in 1991 and remodeled the home that had been in the family since 1895. After moving to Skandia, Elmer joined the Skandia-West Branch Fire Department and served for many years. His service to the department was one in which he brought his vast experience and expertise to mentoring its members in updating techniques and methods, greatly improving the efficiency of the department. Elmer spent many hours working on the new addition to the Skandia United Methodist Church, where he and Shirley were married.

He was preceded in death by his wife; Shirley (Swanson) Hildenbrand, his son; Scott Hildenbrand and brothers; Calvin and Vernon.

Survivors include son; Steve (Sue) Hildenbrand of Ellenton, Florida, four grandchildren; Kristi (Joe) Layko, Robin (Cris) Ellingsen, Nichole Hildenbrand and Bradley Hildenbrand, two great-grandchildren; Adam (Michelle) Cook and Aubrey (Austin) Robbins and three great-great- grandchildren; Landon Cook, Everett Cook and Larkin Robbins.

Funeral services honoring the life of Elmer Hildenbrand will be held at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Monday, May 22nd, at 11:00 am. Rev. Erica Thomas will officiate. The family will greet guests at a reception in the funeral home reception room following services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Skandia-West Branch Fire Department 150 Townhall Rd, Skandia, MI 49885.

Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.