Obituary of Gary Lynn Hildebrandt

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, and 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 also 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

A Life Celebration will be held at 1 pm, Saturday, March 18, 2023, at the Lighthouse Body of Christ Church, 693 Isabella Rd. (M-20), Midland, Michigan, with a luncheon to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are to consider memorial contributions to the Village of Sanford Recovery Fund (toward rebuilding the Little League Park), Village of Sanford, P.O. Box 30, Sanford, MI 48657  To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.