John Michael Hildebrand

John Michael Hildebrand, 82, of Ft. Myers, Florida, and a former Rhinelander resident, died on November 4, 2023 in Ft. Myers, Florida, due to injuries and complications sustained from a fall.

John was born on September 20, 1941, to Joseph and Cora Hildebrand, in Rhinelander and graduated from Rhinelander (Union) High School in 1960. After graduation, he attended Northland College in Ashland.

John was the grandson of F.A. Hildebrand, an early pioneer of Rhinelander’s business community. Hildebrand Furniture opened in 1888, shortly followed by Hildebrand Funeral Home, and to this day, has made it one of the oldest family-owned businesses in Rhinelander. 

After the passing of his father, Joseph, in 1972, John operated both the Hildebrand Furniture Store and the Hildebrand Funeral Home, becoming the third generation to do so. John would eventually sell both businesses after suffering health issues. 

On May 24, 1986, he married Margaret (McDonald). He is survived by his widow, Margaret, her two children, Robert Denton and Tricia (Matt) Mollen as well as John’s children Terry (Craig) Copeland, Joe Hildebrand and Kris (Steve) Schiek. Also surviving are nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. 

 John was preceded in death by his parents, Cora and Joe, as well as siblings, Patrick and Phillip Hildebrand, Jean Graham, Ann Murphy, and Mary “Pinky” Holter. He was also preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Gertrude McDonald and his brother-in-law, James McDonald. 

John loved playing golf with his wife, Margaret, (though she beat him more times than one can count) and his father-in-law, Mickey McDonald, and his brothers-in-law, Bob, Jim and John McDonald. He enjoyed watching the Packers, dogs, playing cards, and telling stories (sometimes the same one many times over). 

John will be deeply missed by his family, friends and especially his dog, Heidi. 

The visitation for John will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the Hildebrand Funeral Home from 11 a.m. until the noon funeral service. 

Fr. Chris Kemp will officiate.

Immediately following the service, there will be a procession to Northland Memorial Park for the committal service.

John’s family cordially invites everyone to join them in a celebration of his life and his wicked sense of humor at Kozy Korner, located at 4219 Lake Creek Road, Rhinelander from 1 until 4 p.m. In addition to food, cribbage boards and cards will be provided.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to sign the guestbook or leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com.