Robert Otto Hilgenbrink - Obituary |
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Robert Otto Hilgenbrink, 86, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, knowing he was loved and
admired by many, died peacefully on Friday July 24th in Fort Myers, Florida where he lived with his daughter,
Marsha Caldwell. He had suffered a stroke on June 28th, 2009.
Robert lived a full life enjoying all three generations of his family. He was born March 3, 1923 in Detroit, MI to Lawrence and Edna Hilgenbrink. He was baptized at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Grosse Pointe, MI on March 23, 1923 and confirmed on March 21st, 1937 at Nazereth Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in Detroit, MI. He attended Cass Tech High School and participated as a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol prior to enlisting in the Air Force during World War II. He attended Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery. AL and married the love of his life, Bernice A. Edwards there on the base, April 26th, 1944. After the war ended in 1945, he continued in the Air Force Reserves until he was honorably discharged in May of 1955. Robert and Bernice spent most of their married life together in Michigan. They were blessed by the births of their two daughters, Diana Joy and Marsha Lynn. After several years of working for Fisher Body in Detroit, MI, Robert began his employment with Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, MI in 1955 as a draftsman and continued there until his retirement in 1985. Robert and Bernice retired to Houghton Lake, MI for several years and then moved to Byron, GA. Bernice passed away in 2002 following a short, terminal illness. During his adult life, Robert used his gifts and talents to bless many, volunteering in both the church and local community. For seven years he taught a woodworking class for 7th and 8th grade boys at Redford Lutheran School, Detroit, MI. He and Bernice also led woodworking and craft classes for students at the Lutheran School for the Deaf. He served as an elder of the church, founded the K&M Drifters Boating Club in Detroit MI, delivered Meals on Wheels, and reached out to nursing home residents in Michigan and Georgia with his crafts. Robert loved to travel and camp in his motorhome, spend time with friends and family, and enjoy the affection of his dogs. Tenacity, determination, and family loyalty characterize his legacy. He will be fondly remembered for his easy, unruffled manner and his twinkling eyes. He is survived by his daughters Diana Haake of Fort Collins CO and Marsha Caldwell of Fort Myers FL; his grandchildren Debbi (Phil) Barnett of Johnstown CO, Jodi Medell of Santa Fe NM, Charly (Melanie) Caldwell of Fort Myers FL, Kim (Sam) Spears of Byron GA; great-grandchildren Samuel Barnett of Johnstown CO, Paige and Josie Caldwell of Fort Myers FL; and great friend Mike Denman of Brighton MI. |
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