Mr. Kenneth Hilderman of Yorkton, formerly of Rhein, beloved husband of Rita Hilderman, passed away peacefully on September 24 at the Yorkton & District Nursing Home. Ken Arnold Hilderman was born on February 2, 1934 on the family farm in the Rhein District. He was the second child born to Jacob and Emilie (nee Propp) Hilderman. He was baptized and confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church in Rhein. In Ken's youth he was known as a terrific ball player, he attended Federhill School, west of Rhein, and he loved working on the family farm. He enjoyed spending time with the "gang", the Riffels, Els boys, the Propp cousins and the Bonnets. In early 1956, Ken was out on a date for supper at the Boston Café in Yorkton when his eyes locked on to a pretty young waitress, Miss Rita Frick. Ken & Rita were engaged 3 weeks later. We are not sure what happened to Ken's date. Rita saw Ken only 6 times over the next year, as he was working for Pioneer Grain Co. at elevators around western Saskatchewan. They were married on Easter Sunday, April 21, 1957 and then immediately went to Pennant, SK where Ken was given two Pioneer Elevators to manage. Ken & Rita made many friends in that area, many of whom are still close and are in contact to this day. It was here that Barry was born in 1958 and Linda in 1962. In 1964, Ken took his family back to his home town of Rhein, where he took over the Pioneer Elevator there and became active again on the family farm. In 1967, Ken took ill with kidney problems that kept him in the hospital for two months. Rita was sure she could have lost him then. Jason was then born in 1968 in Yorkton, to complete Ken's perfect family. Ken came through this illness, left the elevator business and took over the family farm in 1969. He supplemented his income in the early years by working at the mine in Thompson, MB and running the R. M. road grader in winter for a couple of years. He also worked for Ray Bilous Construction, but that was mainly so that he could buy himself a new fishing boat. Ken was a great farmer and he could hardly wait to get out on the land every spring. He always improved the farm as necessary and he could always pinch a penny. Somehow, some way, he managed to farm until 1987 before owning his first grain truck. His hopper boxes saw a lot of miles through those years. Kens first tractor with a cab was a 1972 Case 1070, without air conditioning, because that cost an extra $280. For four years, Ken and Barry found out that $280 was a mere pittance compared to the sweat that was put out in that hot box. Ken never made that mistake again! Ken made sure that his family always got some kind of a holiday, even if it was just a long weekend to camp in Banff surrounded by his beloved mountains. Ken fished a lot and he always included his kids. Every time that Ken and Rita had spare moments, the camper and boat would be hooked up and off they would go to discover new lakes and fishing holes. Rocky Lake, MB was always a favourite. Every winter since 1984, they went south, California, Texas and Hawaii, but most often to their favourite motel in Kissimmee, FL, at which they actually weathered a record setting hurricane one year. Ken spent many years on church council at Christ Lutheran, was a long time member of the Rhein Lions Club and was always involved in the community. He was a great woodworker. He built many pieces of furniture, built a few grain bins and was responsible for at least eight hip roof storage sheds. One example being at the parsonage in Rhein. "Hey there Sweetheart", was the first thing that he would say when Rita would come into the room. Ken loved making jokes and he always wanted to make people laugh. He had a fantastic memory to the end. His family relied on him to remember a date, place, function or name. He remembered it all. Ken did everything that he wanted to do and he did it well. Ken was blessed. Some would say that he was the luckiest man in the world because he had the girl of his dreams. Rita was his best friend. He looked after her and gave her his all and Rita gave all back. Barry, Linda and Jason could have no better example in the world of what a perfect marriage and God-given union should be. Ken always thought of Rita first. They were best buddies. Ken's faith in Jesus his Savior got him through many of life's trials and he never had a bad thing to say about anyone. He was the best husband, father and grandfather anyone could hope for. His family was blessed. Ken was predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Emilie, his brother Irvin, sister-in-law, Martha (nee Weber) Hilderman, daughter-in-law Claudette (nee Pasloski) Hilderman and his infant sister Delmarie. He leaves to mourn his wife Rita, son Barry (Treena), daughter, Linda Anderson (Howard), son Jason. Grandchildren; Sara-Lynn Soke (Kelly Hancock), Jana Schmidt (Kyle), Samantha Vickers (Andrew), Christen Hilderman (Jesse Barbour) and Dani Anderson. Brother Lawrence (Diana), sister Charlotte, brother-in-law Richard Frick, as well as 4 great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Funeral Service were held on Thursday, September 29, 2016 at Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Pastor Karen Stepko officiating. The organist, Joleen Cherland led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Blessed Assurance", "It is Well with My Soul" and "How Great Thou Art". Soloist, Ray Yost sang a special hymn, "Precious Lord, Take My Hand". A special poem tribute by Rita Hilderman and hymn sung by Ray Yost was shared in the service. Scripture readings were given by Sara-Lynn Soke, Jana Schmidt and Samantha Vickers. The honourary bearers were Ervin Stricker, Garry Liebrecht, Richard Frick, Lawrence Hilderman, Lloyd Hilderman, Stuart Greenstein, Brad McLaren, Dick Braun and Gord Muth. The interment took place in the Garden of Gethsemane at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Kyle Schmidt, Kelly Hancock, Andy Vickers, Jesse Barbour, Grant Pister and Barron Stricker serving as the casket bearers. The family wishes to extend thanks to Yorkton & District Nursing Home - Malinowski House for the wonderful and compassionate care that Ken received during his time spent there. Many thanks to Dr. Lee for the years of care and to the caring team at the Dialysis Department at Yorkton Health Centre. Memorial donations honouring Ken's life may be made to the Yorkton & District Nursing Home - Malinowski House. Condolences can be sent to the family at .
