Jerome Hillebrand

Cross Plains – Jerome Charles Hillebrand, age 94, died on August 15, 2012 at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. He was surrounded by his family and friends during his last days. Jerome was born March 14, 1918 in Cross Plains the son of John I. Hillebrand and Ida Schulenburg. He grew up on the Hillebrand farm on the edge of Cross Plains, now Bourbon Road. He attended the new St. Francis School beginning in 1925, the very first year of its use. Jerome took part in the CCC program for 18 months from 1935 to 1936. He was in a camp near Fair-child, Wisconsin. Their job was to build roads, dams and to plant trees. He was able to attend classes and received his eighth grade diploma from the Neilsville School District. On May 23, 1939 he married Cora Dresen. They spent their married life and raised their children in Cross Plains. Jerome worked at the Badger Ordinance Plant (Powder Plant) during WWII. While working shifts at the plant he took classes at MATC studying electrical work. The rest of his working life was as an electrician. Many of us will remember Jerome as “The Bird Man of Sherwood Forest”. He is known across the United States for his knowledge of birds both exotic and common. His wife, Cora, passed away in February 2009 at Heartland Country Village in Black Earth. Jerome has also lived there since June 2011. Jerome and Cora were blessed with six children: Diana (Bernard) Long, Waunakee; James (Verna) Hillebrand, Cross Plains; Judy (Kenneth deceased) Sveum, Madison; Ronald Hillebrand (died Jan. 22, 1943); Kenneth (Janice) Hillebrand, Cross Plains; Rev. Randall (Annette) Hillebrand, Kiev, Ukraine. Jerome is survived by 5 of their children; Diana, James, Judy, Kenneth and Randall. He is also survived by one brother, Edward (Elizabeth) of Cross Plains; Two other Sisters-in-Law, Jeanne Hillebrand and Ginny Hillebrand both of Cross Plains. Also surviving are 19 Grandchildren and several G. Grandchildren. Jerome will be missed and fondly remembered for his knowledge of the history of Cross Plains. The family would like to thank Heartland Country Village for the loving care given to Jerome and to Cora during their stay in that place. Many thanks go to Father Thomas Kelley and to Sister John Rose for their spiritual care during their last years. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2947 Thinnes Street, Cross Plains at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 20, 2012 with Father Thomas Kelley presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Family and friends may call at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2947 Thinnes Street, Cross Plains at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, with Father Thomas Kelley presiding.