Billings Gazette Billings, MT 30 Apr 2007 Harold J. Hilderman passed away April 28, 2007, of natural causes at Billings Health and Rehab Center. Harold was born to Jacob and Katherine (Hardt) Hilderman at Silesia, on Nov. 21, 1926, and was one of seven children in the family. At an early age, Harold farmed with his father. He was inducted into the Army on Jan. 19, 1951. Harold served valiantly in Korea, earning a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars. He received his honorable discharge on Oct. 18, 1952, and returned to Billings. Mr. Hilderman worked briefly for Ideal Bakery before moving on to a lengthy career with Pierce Packing Company, where he remained for 32 years. Upon the closure of Pierce Packing, he turned his attention to providing carpentry, home repair and concrete work for his many friends, neighbors and relatives. In addition, Harold remained active with a variety of organizations including the American Legion Post #4, VFW Post 6774, and Purple Heart Organization, where he was a past State Commander of the Purple Heart of Montana. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Patricia; son Paul (Sandi) Hilderman and granddaughter Laura and great-grandson Mathias of Jefferson City; three step children, Marcia (Dick) Larson of Eatonville, Wash., and grandchildren, Shawna and Jason Patke and great-grandchildren Simee, Cameron, Trevor and Dylan Patke; Mark (Cheri) Lantz of Redding, Calif., grandson Eric, currently finishing his junior year of college at Winchester University, Winchester, England and granddaughter Jessica in Redding; Greg (Jacque) Lantz of Redmond Wash., and Albuquerque, N.M., along with grandchildren Brian and Katie of the family home; his brother Elmer (Alene) of Spokane, Wash.; sister Ruth Yost of Billings; numerous nieces, nephews and many cousins, especially Al and Harvey Hart of California and three children from a previous marriage. Mr. Hilderman was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Linda, Edna, Helen and brother Raymond. Harold loved to go camping and fishing. Harold and Patricia were known to hook up the trailer and boat and head for their favorite camping and fishing sites. . .namely anywhere they could park the trailer and cast a line! Their travels took them across the Western United States where they enjoyed the great outdoors and made many new friends. When he wasn't camping or fishing, Harold took great pride in his gardening and growing flowers. You could always count on fresh vegetables from Harold's garden and beautiful flowers in his yard. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion and the United States Army Reserve. Memorials may be made to Food Bank or a charity of your choice.