Earl O. Hildebrandt, age 82, a resident of Manitowoc, entered eternal life late Saturday evening, March 3, 2018 at the Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Earl was born on October 22, 1935 in Greenbush. He was the son of the late Hugo and Edna Raider Hildebrandt.  Earl graduated from New Holstein High School with the class of 1955.  Following high school he enlisted in the United States Army National Guard for the next four years.  Earl dedicated himself to the field of agriculture and had a love for animals and nature.  On September 19, 1959 he married Beverly A. Franzen at St. John's United Church of Christ in New Holstein.  Earl was an avid Wisconsin sports fan following the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, and the Wisconsin Badgers.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years:   Bev; six children:  Jeff Hildebrandt, Manitowoc; Janice Hildebrandt, Eau Claire; Bill Hildebrandt, Manitowoc; Kevin (Leslie) Hildebrandt, Fremont; Gary (Shelly) Hildebrandt, New Richmond; Ann (Pete) Reinke, Manitowoc; ten grandchildren, one sister:  Joyce Polster, Kiel; nieces, nephews along with other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents:  Hugo and Edna Hildebrandt; two brothers:  Leon and Eugene Hildebrandt; two nephews:  Jim and Bob Hildebrandt; and brother-in-law: Henry Polster.

A Life Celebration Social will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2018 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 North Water Street, Manitowoc, located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel.  Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com .

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Holy Family Hospice and the Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation Center for your patience and endless dedication along with the compassion and respect that was given to Earl and our family.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11 ^th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.