Pastor Bob

Reverend Dr. Robert Ray Hildebrandt, age 82, passed away on Monday, May 22, 2017. Robert is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Beverly Ford Hildebrandt; sons, David (Jeanne) and Scott (Stephanie) Hildebrandt; his stepsons, Stephen, Christopher (April) and Brian (Chantelle) Bruno; and his ten grandchildren, Christopher, Ryan, Claire and Chase Hildebrandt and Veronica, Courtney, Mallory, Connor, Brandon and Tyler Bruno. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and June Hildebrandt and his sister, Judith Hildebrandt Darland. Reverend Hildebrandt grew up in the Midwest. He was born in Chicago where he became a life-long fan of the Cubs. Robert spent his youth in Wisconsin and Iowa. He attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison and graduated with a BA from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Robert earned his four year Masters of Divinity from Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. He then joined the Iowa National Guard as their chaplain while serving churches in Waterloo, Iowa. A short time later, he moved to New Orleans where he earned his Master’s in Social Work (MSW) and PhD in Social Work from Tulane University. Robert transferred to the Louisiana National Guard and served in the 204th Transportation Group, The Washington Artillery, the 159th MASH and State Headquarter as the State Chaplain. After serving 28 years during the Vietnam, Cold War and Desert Storm eras, he retired as a full Colonel with the Legion of Merit. His civilian life consisted of service in various churches, primarily at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Metairie, Louisiana where he retired as Pastor Emeritus after 30 years. Although retired he continued to serve in other churches where ever there was a need. He taught at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Charity Hospital School of Nursing and Our Lady of Holy Cross College in Algiers as chairman of the Social Counseling Program. Robert was a chaplain of various military organizations and proud to have been the chaplain of the American Legion Callender-Fleming Post 23. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 1520 Chickasaw Ave. in Metairie on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 11:00 AM, visitation at church to begin at 9:00 AM. There will be an evening visitation at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home on Friday, May 26, 2017 from 5-8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.