Bernard Jay “Bernie” Hildreth, son of Lester Jay and Edna Mae (Moeller) Hildreth, was born January 27, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up on a farm near Everly, Iowa and went to the local country school through the 8th grade. He received his secondary education in Everly, graduating from Everly High School with the class of 1948. He then attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa for one year before beginning his pursuit in agriculture.
Bernie met his future wife, Margery “Margie” Hansen, in Hartley, Iowa. The two were united in marriage on June 30, 1956, at Trinity United Church of Christ in Hartley. The couple began their life together on a farm near Everly; eventually adding two sons to their family: Jeffrey Jay and Mitchell Scott.
Growing row crops of corn and soybeans and raising beef cattle and hogs gave Bernie a great deal of satisfaction and kept his days full. He was proud to be able to help his boys get their start in farming as well; Jeff in 1977 and Mitchell in 1979. In 1965, he and Margie left the farm and moved to the town of Hartley where they managed the Ben Franklin variety store which was located downtown. Margie kept the store operating while Bernie continued with his farming endeavor, retiring in 2010.
Now with more time on their hands and wishing to escape the cold Iowa winters, Bernie and Margie found Florida to be a relaxing destination. They both enjoyed traveling, so would sometimes take their time and “see the sights” on their way down south. Come summer, Lake Okoboji offered swimming and boating, there was a vegetable garden to put in and crops to be planted. Bernie’s time was split between his old cars, refinishing antique furniture and restoring the 1893 Victorian house in Hartley which the family had lived in for over 50 years. His life was full and he relished every minute of it.
On Friday, May 9, 2025, Bernie passed away at the age of 95 years. He now joins other loved ones who had gone before: his parents, Lester and Edna Hildreth; and his son, Mitchell Hildreth.
Those remaining to treasure his memory are his wife of 68 years, Margie Hildreth of Hartley, Iowa; his son, Jeffrey (Miguela) Hildreth of Everly, Iowa; grandchildren: Erika Ann (John) Hildreth-Moravec IV and Christopher Jay Hildreth; other relatives and a host of friends.
A memorial service was held May 24 at Trinity United Church of Christ, Hartley, Iowa with Dr. Lynn Dau officiating.
Songs of Praise were “The Old Rugged Cross,” “On Eagle’s Wings” and “In the Garden.” Julie Back was the organist.
Honorary Pallbearers were Erika Hildreth-Moravec, John Moravec IV and Christopher Hildreth.
Burial was at Lone Tree Cemetery, Everly, Iowa.
Sanborn and Hartley Funeral Homes in charge of arrangements.