The family of Craig E. Hildebrand of Huntington, IN announces his passing, and invites all who knew him to remember him here.
A life remembered begins, simply, with the telling.
Craig held deeply to the Catholic faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
A life of faith is rarely a life of certainty — but always one of trust.
Craig Hildebrand, age 42, of Huntington, IN, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, at his residence.
Craig was born on May 14, 1983, in Huntington, IN, to Kim and Debra (Young) Hildebrand. His parents survive and live in Huntington.
Craig was a 2002 graduate of Huntington North High School and was 8th in his class. During high school, he participated in football, wrestling, choir and track. He suffered an unfortunate accident when he was injured with a shot put. Craig went on to receive his bachelor's degree in biology and a minor in chemistry from Indiana/Purdue University Fort Wayne. He aspired to be a doctor but made contributions to the medical field in his own way. His neurologist of over 20 years said "Craig made a real and lasting difference in this world. I have often spoken of him not just as my patient, but as a lifelong colleague. He is someone whose journey helped shape the way I think about progress in epilepsy care and how we care for others facing similar challenges. His impact will continue to live on in ways that matter."
Craig was often referred to as Superman and loved movies, music, Michael Myers, and his mom's meatloaf. He enjoyed selling Christmas trees each year with the Lions Club. His cats Tiger, Emma, and Sweetie meant the world to him. Craig was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Huntington. Throughout his health struggles, he maintained his faith in Jesus. Craig's friends often described him as kind-hearted and caring and have fond memories of their "glory days". Craig loved his family deeply and will always hold a special place in their hearts.
Along with his parents, Kim and Deb Hildebrand; Craig is survived by his two sisters, Liane (Chris) Hale, Huntington, IN, Stephanie (Brandon) Emry, Fort Wayne, IN; and his nephews and niece, Eliott Hale, Oliver Emry, Wilder Emry, and Vada Emry.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joanne and Burdell Hildebrand; and Hilda (Young) Shaw.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Recitation of the Rosary beginning at 3:30 p.m. at McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN, 46750.
Additional Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with the Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00 a.m. all at St. Mary Catholic Church, 903 N. Jefferson Street, with Fr. Tony Steinacker presiding.
Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Huntington, IN.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to either St. Mary Catholic Church, the Epilepsy Foundation or Huntington County Humane Society in care of McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN 46750.
McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences: www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com
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