Copperopolis, CA…Werner was born in Berlin, Germany on January 7, 1930. In his early life he experienced the many hardships of World War II. In 1950 he met his beloved wife, Ruth, in Berlin. They were soon married and in 1954 they immigrated to the United States. Upon arrival Werner enlisted in the United States Army and served two years. After being discharged, they moved to Oakland, California. Werner received employment with the Oakland Public Schools District as an electrician for 23 years. In 1964 they moved to Pleasant Hill, California and shortly after purchased property in Copperopolis, California.

Werner was a kind and remarkable man with many skills, and excelled in woodwork. He built everything from furniture to houses, and in 1972 began building his retirement home on his property in Copperopolis. He enjoyed spending time crafting in the workshop, gardening in the yard, boating on the lake, but his true passion was fishing. He loved to fish and spent countless hours on Lake Tulloch, where they lived. His beloved wife, Ruth, passed away in 1982. Werner was later remarried to Kathryn Roda. Much of their time was spent traveling, boating, fishing and being with family.

Werner was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 31 years, Ruth, his parents, Eliese and Walter Hildebrand, and loving stepdaughter Sandra Slayter. He leaves behind his loving wife, Kathryn of 35 years, his son Bernd Hildebrand and daughter-in-law Holly Hildebrand, daughter Sylvia DeMaso and son-in-law Anthony DeMaso, his grandchildren, Vincent DeMaso, Veronica and Brian Anderson, great grandchild, Leila Anderson, Daniel and Natalie Hildebrand, Jennifer and Josh Wood, great grandchild Rebecca Wood, and Lisa Hildebrand: stepchildren, Beverly and Michael Zumpano, Betsy and Rodney Jabola, Greg and Franca Roda; stepgrandchildren Michael Zumpano, Megan Zumpano, Danielle Zumpano, and Andrew and Jessica Jabola. In addition he leaves behind nieces, nephews, and cousins in Germany.

Werner will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. We will always remember his kindness, his wonderful smile, and his love he had for his family.

A celebration of life will be held at the Crossroads Church, 411 Main St., Copperopolis, California 95228 on February 17 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Copperopolis Crossroads Church Building Fund.