Dr. Louis Hildebrand

Dr. Louis Edward Hildebrand, formerly of Cape Girardeau, died suddenly on New Year's Day 2021 at age 80. He had just enjoyed a fun-filled New Year's Eve with his family the day before.

Lou was a brilliant scholar, often described by his family as a true Renaissance man. He was accomplished in various interests over the years, including memorizing and reciting whole books of the Bible; organic gardening; raising prize roses; cycling; publishing crossword puzzles for newspapers, including the New York Times; and playing the piano and writing worship songs.

Lou was born Nov, 26, 1940 and started out in Stafford, Kansas, spent his teen years and graduated high school in Grand Junction, Colorado, went to Wheaton College (Illinois) for his undergraduate degree, and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree at Columbia University in New York City. He then entered the Army, obtaining the rank of major.

His medical specialty was pathology, which he practiced for several years, followed by a season of family practice in Stockton/Lodi, California. Stockton is where he met and married his wife, Fran. When he and his wife moved to Missouri, he returned to pathology, eventually retiring from Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. They moved to Kansas City, Missouri, a year ago to be close to family.

Lou's latest interest was researching biblical prophecy. His hope and joy were renewed as he glimpsed his heavenly home. He expressed excitement about his final journey where he would see all who had gone before, including his teachers. Many will remember him as a man who loved the Lord and pressed on for the prize which God had called him heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). Lou's loved ones are comforted in the knowledge that he now has that prize.

Lou cherished his family, and will be greatly missed by his beloved wife, Fran, of 34 years; his daughter, Heather Van Allen and husband Kurt, daughter Megan Bigham and husband Richie and daughter Allison Lent Owen and husband Jason; and five grandchildren (who called him Gramps), Dax Van Allen, Audrey and Julia Bigham, and Ali and Eli Owen; his sister Nyla Delamarter and husband Vic of Madras, Oregon; and sister Rita Riley Porter and husband Doug, of Sun City, Arizona; and numerous other beloved relatives and friends. A celebration of life will take place in the spring. Details and location to be announced. He will be interred in Stafford, Kansas, alongside his parents, Edward and Myrtle Hildebrand.