Hildebrand, Kathryn J.

Kathryn J. Hildebrand, 92 (even though she proudly proclaimed she was 93), of Marion, passed away peacefully to join her Lord on July 24, 2013, at Summit Pointe, Marion. Funeral Service: 10 a.m. Monday, July 29, at First United Methodist Church, Marion, by the Rev. Mike Morgan. The family will greet friends from 2 until 6 p.m. Sunday, July 28, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion, and one hour before the service at the church on Monday. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include her daughter, Sheri (Barry) Soukup of Marion; two grandchildren, Cara and Lauren; and three nephews, Dwight (Beverly) Thompson of New Sharon, Robert (Jeanette) Thompson of Sibley and Ronald Moen of El Cajon, Calif.

Also surviving are her extended family, Connie Walker, and her seven daughters, Cathy (Ralph) Jordon, Connie (Gary) Young, Tammy (Randy) Mather, Cindee (Greg) Pollow, Theresa (Gary) Gaspar, Traci (Phillip) Cilliers and Jamie (Brian) Hudnall; 12 Walker family great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; her special friend, Bob Kummer; and many loving family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester; two brothers, Harold and Charles; and Jim Walker and Melissa Jordan (husband and granddaughter of Connie Walker).

Kathryn was born Sept. 2, 1920, in rural Poweshiek County, Iowa, the daughter of Oscar and Jennie (DeBruyn) Thompson. She married Lester Hildebrand on Aug. 10, 1952, at First United Methodist Church in Marion. Lester died June 30, 1994. Kathryn was a secretary for the New Sharon school board for several years until the family moved to Marion. She was later a Legal Secretary for Morris Allen, Merle Fischel and Don Hoskins.

Kathryn was a volunteer for Echo Hill Elementary School, a member of a ladies book club, and the First United Methodist Church Bible Study. She loved playing Pitch, Spinner, and Kings on the Corner.

Kathryn was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was a stranger to no one, and took a special interest in everyone's life. Kathryn touched people's lives in many ways, and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Her beautiful smile, positive attitude, and love of people will always be remembered.

A memorial fund has been established in Kathryn's memory.

Please sign the online guest book for Kathryn at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

Published July 26, 2013 in The Gazette