Denise Hildebrand

Denise Florene Hildebrand, 77, of Atlantic, Iowa, went to be with Jesus on January 3, 2026.

Born on February 13, 1948, in Griswold, Iowa, to Louis and Dorothy (Adams) Schaaf, Denise was the second of six children. The Schaaf family lived in both Lewis and Atlantic during her childhood. Denise married Cleo Cook on January 10, 1967. The couple was blessed with two daughters, Julie and Jacqueline. Denise married Bill Hildebrand on February 15, 1980, and the couple was blessed with one daughter, Jodi.

Denise loved Jesus and her church. She was baptized on June 13, 1976, and was a lifelong member of the First Church of Christ in Atlantic. She never wanted to miss a Sunday. Denise always worked hard, both as a babysitter as a teenager and in the service industry as an adult. Some of her favorite work memories involved walking beans with her family and others. She loved laying out in the sun working on her tan.

Her family was her pride and joy, especially her grandkids. Denise loved Elvis, dancing, the Cornhuskers, and most recently watching Caitlin Clark play basketball. She loved to cook and go to family gatherings where her baked beans and peanut butter cookies were family favorites. She will be remembered for her strong resiliency, compassionate generosity, and playful spirit. When Denise walked into the room, the party started.

Denise is survived by her children, Julie (Corey) Miller of Lumberton, TX and Jacqueline (Kris) Phippen of Exira; her grandchildren, Austin Johnson and Demi Hildebrand of Atlantic, Ian Miller and Mikaela (Collin) Argo of Nashville, TN; her great-grandchildren, Dayton White of Walnut and Riley and Lucas White of Exira; her sisters, Sherry (Jay) Brown of Atlantic and Kathy (Rick) Linfor of Atlantic; her brother-in-law, Richard Meyer of Atlantic; her sisters-in-law, Marlene Schaaf of Lincoln, NE, Donna Schaaf of Waukee, Jan (Dwyane) Lockhart of Dysart and Joyce (Gary) Beedle of Avoca; and many special nieces, nephews, and friends.

Denise was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Hildebrand; her daughter, Jodi Hildebrand; her grandson, Joe White; her parents, Louis and Dorothy; her in-laws, Virgil and Elaine Hildebrand; her brothers, Dennis and Allen Schaaf; her sister, Linda Meyer; and sister-in-law, Jo Hildebrand.

A private family graveside will take place on January 7th at Pleasant Township Cemetery in Griswold, IA.

The family expresses it’s deepest gratitude to the staff of Exira Care Center and Gentiva Hospice of Carroll for their exceptional care. A special thank you goes to her ‘sis’ nurse Kelley Mead for her loving personal care and compassion during Denise’s final days

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Denise’s family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.