Hardy Hilgendorf

It is with immeasurable sorrow that the family of Hardy Hilgendorf of Medicine Hat announce his passing on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the age of 71 years. 

Reinhard Hilgendorf was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta on September 27, 1954. Growing up in the Riverside neighbourhood and attending the local elementary school, he never liked his first name and would pick up the nickname "Hardy", which would then become the name he would use for the remainder of his life. 

As the second child of newly immigrated parents from Germany during his school years, he would help them in their business, European Imports, and would later recount many early mornings and hours spent preparing sausages in the basement of their store. After graduating from Crescent Heights High School, Hardy would go on to attend Medicine Hat College in the welding apprenticeship program. He would also enjoy playing drums in the college's band through the conservatory, Hepplewhyte, and would join them on their European tour. 

In 1975 he married Caroline Schiebelbein, whom he would be married to for 41 years and share three sons with. Hardy was a dedicated husband and father, with passion and a good eye, he would go on to design two of their family homes. In the mid 80's, Hardy would go from welder to partner in his father's business, Kurts Iron Works, where he would eventually share this partnership with his brother Frank, until his retirement in 2017. 

Hardy leaves behind a legacy of being a dedicated and passionate supporter of this community, generously giving his time and leadership to organizations that helped shape Medicine Hat. As a founding member of the Medicine Hat Hockey Hounds, he played an instrumental role in creating opportunities for young athletes and fostering a strong local hockey tradition. He was also a valued contributor of the Medicine Hat Cubs, supporting the development of sport and encouraging teamwork, discipline and community pride. Beyond the arena, he was committed to conservation efforts through his many years of work with Ducks Unlimited, and through his professional life demonstrated outstanding leadership while serving as President of the Medicine Hat Construction Association where he worked to strengthen the local construction industry and build meaningful connections within the business community. 

Hardy will be lovingly remembered by his three sons, Nathan (Trina), Christopher (Ivana), and Andrew (Megan). As an incredibly attentive and cherished grandfather his loss will be deeply felt and he will be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Brody and Adam (Nathan), Bentley and Hudson Stewart (Trina), Ashton, Isaac, Julian, and Jasper (Christopher), as well as Cannon and Jovi (Andrew). 

He was predeceased by his wife, Caroline and his parents, Kurt Hilgendorf and Erna Ohmann. Hardy will be missed by his sister, Rita McArthur (Doug), brother, Frank Hilgendorf (Lorraine) and their children as well as his stepmother, Hanna Hilgendorf and mother-in-law, Gabriel Schiebelbein. 

The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with Life Celebrant, David Townsend officiating.  Reception will follow at the Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club.  The service will be live streamed.  Those who wish to attend virtually, please use the following link or click on the button below: https://youtube.com/live/nAJbRYJrQDM?feature=share

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Hardy Hilgendorf, please visit our floral store.