Halfred "Hal" J. Hildebrand, Jr.

Hal was born October 11, 1928, in Springfield, IL, the son of Halfred J. Sr. and Hilda F. Maurer Hildebrand. He married Lauretta Metzger on October 10, 1953, in Springfield, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jackie Mason; and great-granddaughter, Abby.

Hal is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Lauretta Hildebrand; six children, Joe (Tina) Hildebrand, Dawn (Paul) Haley, Gail (John) Sullivan, Kathy (Jim) Sutzer, John (Debbie Davis) Hildebrand, and Mary (Rod) Jones; fourteen grandchildren; twenty-nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brother, Jim Hildebrand; several nieces and nephews; and several cousins.

Hal graduated from Cathedral Boys High School in 1946 and proudly served his country as an Airman First Class in the U.S. Air Force National Guard from 1949 to 1952 during the Korean War. He worked for Sangamo Electric, The Dug Out Inn (his favorite), Sangamon Credit Union, Garrett Aviation, and Pasfield Golf Gourse. Hal was a gallon blood donor and volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Friend Indeed, and as a red coat at St. John’s Hospital. Hal was also the first caller on Sam Madonia’s Thanksgiving Show for many years. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Bears, and SHG sports fan. Hal also enjoyed attending his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sporting events. For fifteen years, he visited different ballparks with friends and his son-in-laws.

He had a positive impact on everyone he came in contact with. When someone explained what was going on in their life, Hal’s standard answer would be “That’s Great” and would encourage them no matter the situation. He was very proud of his family and holiday gatherings were very large and loud. With his hearing loss, he would sit back and smile the entire time.

His kindness and positivity will be carried on for generations. He will be sadly missed by all.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Monday, May 13, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 2125 N. 21st St., Springfield with Rev. George Nellikunnel, S.A.C., celebrant.

Private family burial will be held at a later date, at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Research or St. Aloysius School.