Ted Hilderhoff, 47

Ted D. Hilderhoff, age 47, died Friday, February 5, 2021, from injuries sustained in a one vehicle accident outside Valentine, NE.

Ted was born July 1, 1973, in Mullen, NE to Bonnie (Boyer) and Edward Hilderhoff. He graduated from Mullen High School and went on to Milford to earn a degree in Diesel Mechanics.

Ted then worked at York Equipment, but was needed at home when his father passed away. He came home to help his mom run the station. After a while, the sandhills called his name and he started working on a ranch. Eventually, he landed at Arabia Ranch 15 years ago and has managed the ranch for the past nine years.

He loved being in God’s country every day. He said he went to ‘church’ every day because he saw the beautiful land, his cattle, horses, dogs and family.

Ted married Cherie Thomas on July 2, 2011. They have two boys together, Ryder and Edward Hilderhoff. They met at a dance in Johnstown, NE and have danced their way through life with each other. Ted said that his best hand was his wife, since she was the only one who understood his short messages and broken sentences.

Ted was a true cowboy; he didn’t know a stranger and had a big heart for all of us that were around him. He made many friends who turned into family. Our Ranch families are what keep everything moving forward.

Ted loved to hunt, fish, ride his horse and work the cattle with his hardworking cattle dogs. His favorite time of year on the ranch was calving. He loved all of the babies and watching them grow. He also loved taking his two boys with him on the ranch and teaching them the cowboy ways. Ryder and Edward loved riding horses with their dad. Anytime Ted was out in God’s country was a good day.

Ted was always smiling and joking; he kept everybody on their toes at all times.

He is survived by his wife, Cherie; sons, Ryder and Edward; mother, Bonnie of Mullen, NE; sister, Tammy (Lloyd) Cash; nephews, Sam (Stephanie) Hilderhoff and Terry and Andy Cash; parents-in-laws, Lorrin and Suzie Thomas; and sister-in-law, Shana Thomas.

Ted was preceded in death by his father, Edward Hilderhoff; grandparents, Dale and Ruth Andersen and Earl and Jean Boyer; uncle, Larry Isom Leonard; aunt, Gladys Smith; John and Marge Osenbaugh, Fred and Neta Osenbaugh, Hank and Maybell Cox; and numerous other relatives.

Services were held on Wednesday, February12, 2021 at the Methodist Church in Valentine with interment following at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Valentine. Pastor Scott McClellan of the Berean Bible Church officiated and special music was provided by Sam Hilderhoff. Pallbearers were Ben Andrews, Jim Liddy, Trent Colburn, Brent Deibler, Kyle Castellaw and John Wheeler. Honorary bearers were Ken Colburn, Bob Marsh, Connie Pete Boyer, Tim Simonson and Ted’s numerous beloved friends and family. Memorials may be made in care of the Hilderhoff Family. Holmes Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.