It is with heavy hearts and loving memories that we announce the passing of Kenneth "Ken" Lee Hildenbrand, aged 71, of Rexburg, who left us on Monday June 10, 2024. A man of laughter, a tender heart, and tenacity.

Ken was born on March 30, 1953 in Fulda, Indiana to Raymond and Virginia (Fuchs) Hildenbrand. He spent his early life growing up on the family farm in Fulda where he spent a lot of time playing with his siblings and fishing in the nearby creeks. He graduated from Dale High School and went on to receive a Bachelor's degree from University of Southern Indiana and a Master's Degree from Colorado State University. After many years as a purchasing agent in the furniture manufacturing industry, he went back to school to become a Physical Therapist Assistant at Carrington College in Boise, Idaho. This career served him well in his later years until his retirement.

Ken married Melissa Schenk in 1986 and they raised a family of three children, Brian, Jennifer, and Jessica. He loved being a dad and later a grandfather to Emma, Gabby, Oliver, and Elias.

It was in Huntingburg, Indiana that Ken raised his family not far from his childhood home. He and Melissa attended all the kids' ball games, performances, and academic competitions together. He was a very proud father. He also loved to spend many afternoons fishing for bass in the many lakes of Southern Indiana or attending to his gardens. Although he loved his Indiana home, he and Melissa relocated to Idaho in 2010 to be closer to their children.

In both Indiana and Idaho, Ken could often be seen with his dogs. Ken's four-legged companions were more than pets; they were his best friends. His dogs were his loyal partners in his daily walks around the neighborhood and his trusty assistants in finishing off his favorite foods at night. He loved watching the grandkids play with the dogs and love on them as much as he did.

Being a grandpa was one of Ken's favorite stages of life. He was exceptional at telling stories, playing games, and cheering the grandkids on in all of their activities. His ability to make them laugh and pretend play epic storylines was unparalleled.

Ken was also an active and helpful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As an Elder in the church, he served as a counselor in the Huntingburg, Indiana Branch Presidency, a ward clerk in the Jasper, Indiana ward, he taught the youth in Sunday School over several years, and volunteered at ward dinners and gatherings. He also helped supervise at his daughters' Young Women's summer camp activities.

In his retirement years, Ken stepped in to help Melissa grow her sewing business. He spent hours in the sewing room helping to pair up and cut materials that Melissa could make into hand-crafted handbags. The sewing room was his treasure trove of fabrics, threads, and projects that showcased creativity and care for the market customers. He loved being in the thick of things at the Idaho Falls Farmers Market along the beautiful Snake River every Saturday during the market season. He would report back to his kids how amazing the market day had been with the biggest smile on his face. With so much to look forward to each week, Ken didn't want to slow down or take any time off. His drive to keep going only ended with his final breath that came so quickly and peacefully. We imagine that grandpa immediately set to work in heaven with brand new projects to unfold, and reunited with his parents and brothers-in-law. May his body rest in peace and his spirit fly free to watch over his family and beloved dogs (soon to include nine puppies).

Ken is survived by his sweetheart, Melissa Hildenbrand; and children Brian Hatley, Jennifer (Jarek) Smith, and Jessica (Eduardo) Paredes; grandchildren Emma, Oliver and Elias Paredes, and Gabriella Smith; siblings James (Brenda) Hildenbrand, Randy (Connie) Hildenbrand, Kevin (Glenda) Hildenbrand, Janice (John) Morris, Jane Simon, and Steve Hildenbrand.

He was preceded in death by his father Raymond Hildenbrand, his mother and step-father Virgina and Maurice Long, father-in-law and mother-in-law Anthony and Eileen Schenk, brother-in-law Joseph Keller, and brother-in-law Thomas Goldsberry Jr.

Funeral services will be at 11:00am MDT Saturday, June 15, 2024 at the Harvest Hills LDS church building 612 S. Hidden Valley Rd. Rexburg, Idaho. A viewing with family and friends will take place before the services at 10:00am MDT in the same location. Services will be broadcast live on the Flamm Funeral Home website. Burial will be in the Rexburg Cemetary.

Service will be broadcasted: https://my.gather.app/remember/kenneth-hildenbrand