Ronald Hildinger Obituary

Ronald G. Hildinger

Essexville, Michigan

Ronald G. Hildinger, age 88, quietly and peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Friday morning, July 25, 2025 at Charter Senior Living. The son of the late Ernest and Effie (Allen) Hildinger, he was born in Caro on August 2, 1936 and resided there throughout his youth, graduating from Caro High School. In the early 1960's Ron started working for J.C. Penny Co. and moved to Bay City. He was the stock supervisor in the downtown Bay City store, then at the former Hampton Square Mall, and until his retirement from the Bay City Mall store after 41 years. Ron took great pride in his work and made so many wonderful friends at Penny's over the years. He was a former member of St. Boniface Catholic Church and was currently a member of St. Jude’s Thaddeus Parish where he was active as an usher and volunteered with funeral luncheons for many years. Ron was an excellent house painter and handyman, someone who could fix anything and enjoyed woodworking. He liked the outdoors and worked at a few local farms and vegetable stands. Ron was a quiet man, a dedicated husband and loving father, and known as a prankster. While his family is deeply sad about his passing, they have comfort knowing that he is well again and at peace in his new home in Heaven.

On June 29, 1957 Ron was united in marriage to the love of his life, the former Joan C. Derwinski, and she survives his passing. They built a full and happy life together. Ron was a devoted husband and a loving father. He is also survived by his five sons, Raymond (Cindy) Hildinger, John (Stephanie) Hildinger, Dennis (Angela) Hildinger, Tim (Penny) Hildinger and Todd (Trisha) Umphrey; 15 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren; a brother, Allen (Nancy) Hildinger; a foster sister, Linda Emery; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his parents, Ron was also preceded in death by a brother, James (Karen) Hildinger; a grandson, Ryan Hildinger; a granddaughter, Hailee Friedle; and three sisters-in-law, Donna Derwinski, Janice Umphrey and Frances Robinson.

The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at St. Jude’s Thaddeus Parish with Fr. Dale Orlik and Dcn. Timothy Hartwig presiding. The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Patrick Mausoleum. Visiting hours will be at Trahan Funeral Chapel on Monday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a Vigil Prayer Service at 6:00 p.m., and at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. The family suggests donations in Ron's memory to St. Jude’s Thaddeus Parish. Celebrate Ron's life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at www.trahanfc.com