Obituary of Allen Hildebrand

Allen Hildebrand, age 43, of Kleefeld, Manitoba, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at their home.

He is survived by his beloved wife Maria, and their five children, Rudy, Kelly, Kim, Ryan, Paul, as well as his parents John and Nettie Hildebrand, his sisters Stella (Wes) and Verna (Ev) , and three brothers Ray (Heather), Rob (Neta), Jon (Tina). He will also be remembered by his parents-in-law Abram and Anna Fehr, as well as his sisters-in-law Justina (Ermond), Helena (Ruben), Anna (Klaus), Lisa (Jacob) and brothers-in-law Cornie (Esther), Johan (Teresa), Abe (Claudia), as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Allen was born on March 20th, 1980, to John and Nettie Hildebrand in Colony Bergthal, Paraguay.

When Allen was three years old he moved to Canada with his family. Most of his childhood was spent in New Bothwell attending the New Bothwell School. Allen played school volleyball and baseball with friends. He loved to play in the creek catching crayfish, build a halfpipe for skateboarding, building forts, a track to race bikes and he loved to play hockey at the local rink with his cousins and friends. He loved spending summers camping at Big Whiteshell with his family & Roseau River Bible Camp with his brothers and cousins.

At the age of 15 his family moved to Bolivia to Colony Las Palmas where he worked on the farm with his dad and drove tractors for several other farmers. At age 17 he met the love of his life, Maria and got married July 8th, 1999.

They had three children (Rudy, Kelly, and Kim) early on in their relationship. On June 15th, 2000, Allen and Maria moved their family to Canada.

He got a job at Loewen Windows while living in Steinbach. He worked there until 2004, when they decided to move back to Bolivia. They stayed in Bolivia for one year and returned to Canada, this time moving to Kleefeld. Ryan was then born in 2006 and Paul in 2011, completing their family. He continued working at Loewen Windows until 2006 then switched to working at a hog barn for one year before finding his passion in framing. He worked with his cousin Stan for many years. Just before Allen was diagnosed with cancer, he started his own framing company with his son Kelly. Allen was always an extremely hard worker and loved to work with his hands (and was very good at it). He built two beautiful houses for his family. He enjoyed sketching and designing homes as well.

Rudy learned a lot of good qualities by watching Allen. He loved to see him put together projects and experiment with different tools and wood. He admired the amount of patience he put into everything he made.

Kelly loved building with his dad, especially the sheds at their property. Kelly also has great memories of his dad teaching him how to fix cars & dirt bikes.

Kim loved Allen’s love of camping, from waiting out thunderstorms under a tarp to fishing for hours on the lake. He made sure to take each of the kids separately on the boat to spend some quality time with each one.

Ryan loved asking his dad questions about the bible and he always had an answer and gave good advice.

Paul loved playing board games with his dad in front of the fireplace, Allen especially loved to play Phase 10.

Maria will miss Allen walking through the door every day greeting her with a hug & a kiss.

Allen was baptized in Colony Las Palmas at age 19 upon the confession of his faith. Allen and Maria currently attend Reinland Mennonite Church & he volunteered there as a sound man and enjoyed the time he spent there.

Allen’s smile lights up every room. Even through tough times, he would give a smile to anyone he met. Allen always wanted the best for the people around him and gave a helping hand whenever needed. From shingling, putting in windows, fixing a hot water tank, using the talents that the Lord blessed him with. Allen will be remembered for his gentle, humble, quiet & content spirit.

Allen loved his ice cream so much. His favorite was a Reese's peanut butter cup. Even until the last week before he passed, he went for a DQ peanut butter cup blizzard! Many suppers were made around the bbq or a firepit making guiso or grilling a steak.

The last few months have been very hard for the family and Maria has spent countless hours taking care of Allen in every way possible. Maria loved being there for him right till the very end. Knowing that God was there every step of the way. She can’t believe how lucky she is to have gone through life with him.

Through Allen’s cancer journey, he read the book of Job, highlighting Job 28:28 “And this is what he says to all humanity, the fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding”

Thank you to all friends & family, near & far that have shown love by sending messages, prayers, dropped off meals, provided rides & helped out financially, we are truly grateful for your support.

The viewing will be held on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. located at the Grunthal Reinland Mennonite Church, 29087 PR 216, Grunthal, Manitoba, followed by a devotional.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, April 17, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Grunthal Reinland Mennonite Church, Grunthal Manitoba, with an interment to follow at the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Birchwood Funeral Chapel to help the family with expenses.