Gerald Eugene Hildebrandt, age 74, of River Falls, died on January 20, 2023 at United Hospital in St. Paul. Gerald was born to Willis and Marjorie (Johnson) Hildebrandt on December 25, 1948 in River Falls. He attended Prescott High School, graduating with the class of 1967. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1969 and served through 1971. After his service, Gerald married the love of his life, Alice Ducklow. This union blessed them with three daughters, Michelle, Sarah, and Jennifer.

Gerald enjoyed his time gardening, playing fetch with his dog Harley, collecting “treasures” and tinkering with equipment. He could often be found around his home enjoying a good smoked salmon, fixing whatever it was that needed fixing, or working diligently to make sure his yard was full of the best, most luscious green grass on the block. When he was away from home, he liked riding motorcycle, fishing and traveling with his wife. During their travels, they visited the Grand Canyon and even spent a night camping at the bottom. They also crossed the Arctic Circle together during a 3 month trip to Alaska. Gerald loved people, and was very proud of his career of over 25 years, working at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls. Among all of Gerald joys in life, to him nothing was better than being a dad and a grandpa, he was always sure to squeeze in time for his grandkids, doing whatever it was that would make them happy; He had an admirable love for his family, who will miss him dearly.

Gerald is survived by his Wife of 50 years Alice Hildebrandt; Daughters: Michelle (Jason) Simpson, Sarah Peterson (Max Gehler), and Jennifer Georgius; along with 10 Grandchildren; Siblings: Eva Crandell and Twin Brother Gary Hildebrandt; and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: Willis and Marjorie Hildebrandt; Sister-in-law Carol Hildebrandt; Uncle Marvin Hildebrandt; in-law, Willis and Esther Ducklow.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 4:00pm on Friday, January 27, 2023 at St. Bridget Catholic Church: 211 E Division St. River Falls, WI 54022. A Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at St Bridget Catholic Church- Garden View Room. As well as a 1 hour visitation before Mass on Friday.

Services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of River Falls, www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com, 715-425-5644