Surnames: Hildebrand, Kester, Sullivan

----Source: Vilas County News-Review (Eagle River, Wis.) 20 April 2004

Myron E. "Iron Mike" Hildebrand of West Bend died Tuesday, April 13, 2004, at St. ¬Joseph's Community Hospital in West Bend. He was 94.

Mr. Hildebrand was born Sept. 18, 1909, in Thorp, the son of Fred and Linda (nee Kes¬ter) Hildebrand.

He married Mary Jane Sullivan Aug. 16, 1947, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in St. Louis, Mo.

Earning a teaching degree from the former Oshkosh State Teacher's College, presently UW-Oshkosh, he began his teaching career in 1931 in West Bend.

Mr. Hildebrand entered the U.S. Army in 1942, serving in the African Campaign before being assigned to Gen. Mark Clark's headquarters in Italy for three years prior to the end of World War II. After returning to the United States, he joined the 84th Army Reserve Division, retiring after a 28-year career with the rank of major.

He taught social studies at West Bend High School. He coached debate, started the audiovisual department for the district, originated the Awards Day program, introduced tennis as a high school sport and was instrumental in starting tennis in the Little Ten. During his 29-year career of coaching tennis, his teams won numerous conference and sectional championships, and he was a certified WIAA track official. He retired in 1975.

He and his family spent many summers at their Three Lakes summer home.

Mr. Hildebrand was a member of the Reserve Officers Association, Wisconsin State Coaches Association, St. Frances Cabrini Church and St. Theresa Catholic Church in Three Lakes.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Leslie and Ed; and one sister, Irene.

Survivors include his wife; three sons, William of New Rochelle, N.Y., Stephen (Roberta) of Rochester, Minn., and Kim (Jennifer) of Princeton, Iowa; and four grandchildren.

He is further survived by other relatives and friends.

A funeral service was held April 17 at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. The Rev. Jeffrey Haines officiated.

Burial was in Washington County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials May be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society or to a charity of choice.