Donald Lee Hildebrand, 98, died peacefully Monday. He was a veteran of World War II. Born Jan. 28, 1927, to Lee and Maymie Wilson Hildebrand in Decatur, Ill., he enjoyed working on his uncle's farm, hunting with his dad and listening to his dad's stories as he grew. His parents and sisters, Barbara Hildebrand Markwitz and Peggy Hildebrand Willis Earl, predeceased him. He enlisted in the Army on his 18th birthday in 1945. His mom picked up his diploma while he served in the Pacific, promoted to corporal during reparations. While in the Reserves until 1952, he earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Millikin University on the GI Bill. He met his true love, Elsie Mae McTaggart, at Allis-Chalmers tractor company and asked her the next month to marry him. She survives him with their children Terry Hildebrand of Hawaii, Joseph of Ohio and Linda of New Jersey; grandchildren Mary Hildebrand Krell, Anna Hildebrand, Jacob Petterchak, Scott Hildebrand, Clay Petterchak, Abigail Petterchak Grey and Daniel Hildebrand; and 10 great-grandchildren. Mr. Hildebrand holds nine patents for machinery he designed for companies including A.O. Smith Harvestore, Sundstrand, J.I. Case and Elgin Sweeper Co., where as manager of advanced engineering he led design of the Pelican, the Whirlwind and others still seen cleaning streets. Charmed by New Braunfels, the couple retired here in 1989 after his last post at Corpus Christi Army Depot. They rang the bells for Salvation Army's kettle donations every holiday until 2024, delivered Meals on Wheels for 30 years and volunteered in the Comal County Democrats office. He was Chicago section president of the Society of Automotive Engineers, was elected School Board president and held leadership roles in the Salvation Army, Lions Club and others. He had a passion for reviving antique tractors, 25 in all. His first restoration, a 1928 Seagrave Pumper firetruck, inaugurated the McHenry County (IL) Historical Society and Museum, where he volunteered as director. Since 2023, he entertained fellow Rio Terra residents with his hearty singing. Mr. Hildebrand will be laid to rest in a punctual 10:15 a.m. military public funeral Monday at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio after a private viewing at 8 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Oaks Funeral Home. Donations to Salvation Army-New Braunfels requested in lieu of flowers. First United Methodist Church plans to celebrate Mr. Hildebrand's life for the couple's 72nd wedding anniversary in August.