- Jerry (Zeke) Hilderbrand passed away June 8, 2012 with his loving children and family by his side in Tonasket. Jerry was born in Rogersville, Mo., March 3, 1935. He moved with his family to Oroville in 1943 where he had since made his home. He graduated from OHS where he’d been an outstanding athlete; also was a part of the town basketball team.
- Jerry served active duty in the U.S. Army 1956-58; part of that time in Germany. Upon discharge from the Army, he was employed for a time by Speas Vinegar and Oroville-Tonasket Irrigation District. Jerry married Donna Hoefner, having two sons together; she passed away in 1961. He then married Marilyn Fisher and together they raised their five children. With his brother Bob and others, he packed into the Paseyton Wilderness area on horseback a number of times through the years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a great businessman, owning the Pastime Tavern until retirement. He spent the last few winters in Arizona with Darlene Muir. In the spring to fall months he enjoyed his daily golf at the Oroville Golf Club. He cherished his time at Lost Lake and Chesaw with family and friends. Rest in Peace Dad, we love you.
- Jerry was a member of the Oroville Golf Club, Eagles, Elks and AmVets.
- He is survived by his children: Jerry Hilderbrand Jr. (Natalie) of Spokane, Tammy Peery (Rick) of Palmer Lake, Jeffrey Hilderbrand (Cathy) of Spokane, Lisa VanderWeide (Mike) of Malott and John Hilderbrand (Cori) of Oroville; 13 grandchildren: Jessica, Rhiannon, Ilene, Joann, Jacob, Keith, Jason, Justin, Vanessa, John, Lily, Hannah and Noah; four great grandchildren; brothers Bill Hilderbrand of Oroville, Ken Hilderbrand of Kirkland, Wash. and Bob Hilderbrand (Sandy) of Oroville and sister Patricia Nelson (Gary) of Oroville, as well as many nieces and nephews..
- He was preceded in death by his father, James Arlie Hilderbrand; mother Mary Josephine Burks; wife Donna (Hoefner); and infant brother.
- Memorial services will be held Friday, June 22, 2012, 2 p.m. at the Oroville American Legion Post 84, 314 14th Ave. A potluck luncheon and party remembering Zeke is to follow. Memorials may be made to AmVets 69 Chesaw, Wash. Please share your thoughts and memories by signing Jerry’s online guestbook at www.berghfuneralservice.com
- Bergh Funeral Service of Oroville/Tonasket in care of arrangements.