William H. Hildebrand

William H. Hildebrand, aged 93, died peacefully in his home in Stow, OH, on April 17, 2024. Born in Struthers, OH, to William and Josephine, Bill graduated from Struthers High School in 1948 and attended Kent State University for his BA and MA. After serving in the US Army, he returned to teach in Kent’s Department of English and undertake his doctoral studies at Western Reserve University in Cleveland. It was at Kent he met Ann Meinzen, his great love and partner in life for 62 years.

In his long and rich tenure at Kent State, Bill served as professor, administrator, and university historian. He changed many lives with his insightful teaching and wise mentoring. For his significant contribution to the university, he was awarded the President’s Medal on his retirement in 1996. A man of deep Christian faith, and a proud liberal, Bill fought against injustice and inequality, as evidenced in his writing, his teaching, his activism. Family and friends, colleagues and students remember Bill for his generous, gentle nature, his sense of humor, and his great integrity.

Bill joins his parents and in-laws and his beloved wife in eternal life. He leaves behind his brother, Charles; his children, Arthur Hildebrand and Kristine Lindroth and Joanna and Raymond Craig; and his grandchildren, Kelan, Amanda (Williams), William, and Joseph Craig and Jacob Hildebrand.

Because Ann died during the Covid lockdown, both Bill and Ann will be celebrated on Saturday, May 11, at 3:00 pm in a homegoing service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kent, OH. There will be time to visit with family before the service, beginning at 2:00 pm. The wearing of bright colors is encouraged! For those unable to attend, the service will be streamed at trinitylutherankent.org.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church and the College of Arts & Sciences Scholarship Fund at Kent State University. And in your own lives, plant a tree, hug a loved one, vote.

Services in the care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.