LOIS ANN HILDENBRAND

Having lived a fulfilling life, Lois Ann Hildenbrand passed away on May 17th, 2017, at the age of 88, with family by her side. She is now reunited with the love of her life, William “Bill” Hildenbrand, her husband of 51 years.

Lois was born in Kennard, Nebraska, on January 22, 1929, to Andrew and Olga Fowler. At the age of 15, Lois and her mom boarded a train to travel to Michigan to visit her brother. It was on this train trip that Lois met a handsome soldier named, Bill. He was on the first part of his journey to India, to serve in World War II. Addresses were exchanged, along with letters, pictures and cookies for Bill, for two years, while he completed his service. Upon a few days of Bill’s return to the states, he made a trip to Kennard. He asked Lois’ father for her hand in marriage. Bill and Lois were engaged for one week and married the next, in Nebraska, on December 22, 1946. After their wedding, they returned to Bill’s hometown of Lodi, California. Lois began working at Fritz Rott’s bakery and Bill worked as a painting contractor. Within three years of marriage, they built their home, where Lois lived for 65 years. Lois was first and always a loving and devoted wife to Bill. At the age of 21, she also became a devoted and loving mother to James “Jim” and three years later to Joani.

Lois kept the books for the family business of Hildenbrand and Son Painting Contractors. She took great pride in her home and yard. She enjoyed cooking, baking and hosting the family, especially during the holidays. She was a Cub Scout leader, taught Sunday School, and enjoyed fishing, boating, and camping.

Lois was a dedicated docent for the San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum for over 30 years. In 1991, she presented the idea of the “Festival of Trees” to the museum. This annual family event continues to be a success as a result of the hardworking docents and community support.

Lois was a member of Lodi’s Vintage Doll Club and enjoyed hosting club programs, events, and luncheons.

Silver Lake has always been a very special place for the Bill Hildenbrand and Walt Sayler families. Ideas for a chapel at Silver Lake, between these two families, became a reality in 1973. Lois served on the chapel’s committee for over 30 years with her best friend, Delores Sayler-Harr. Upon their husbands’ passings, these two ladies continued to share good times with their families at Silver Lake.

Lois is survived by her son Jim Hildenbrand and his children Tyler and Trevor, her daughter Joani Pruitt and her husband, David, and their children Katy and William, and William’s wife Missy and their son Jace. Lois is also survived by three loving sister-in-laws, Florence Fowler, Mayvis Kundert and Vera Cook, along with her husband Lyle, nieces and nephews of the Fowler, Painter, and Cook families, and her dear friend, Delores Harr.

At Lois Hildenbrand’s request, “No service. Have a picnic at Silver Lake, when the snow melts.”

Family traditions inspired by Lois’ creative, direct, but loving, elegant and proper style will continue to honor and cherish her memory. Memorials may be made in her memory to Silver Lake Chapel Memorial Fund or the San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum.

Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/guestbook.