Ryan Dean Hildebrand, the son of Dean William and ReAnn Lu (Palmer) Hildebrand, was born on April 13, 1992, in Omaha, Nebraska, passed away on April 26, 2026, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, at the age of 34 years and 13 days.

Ryan's early years were marked by active involvement in his school community. He graduated from Riverside High School in 2010, during which time he participated in the marching band, pep band, and concert band. He also enjoyed speech, FFA, and contributed behind the scenes by managing lighting for musicals and was a member of the National Honor Society. His love for music and percussion, carried him to playing the cymbals in The Sound of USD's drumline and marching band for 4 years. A special memory was traveling with the University of South Dakota marching band to London, where he performed in the New Year’s Day Parade. Ryan earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, graduating in 2016. Some of his other travels included a visit to Las Vegas with his mom and a great trip to Australia to see his sister.

Ryan enjoyed trivia, reading, spending time with family and friends, and traveling. He loved hearing or telling a joke or a pun and had a dry sense of humor. He was a Disney fan, memorizing lines and lyrics from his favorite movies. Crossword puzzles and learning to cross-stitch became a favorite pastime for Ryan while spending time with his aunts. He is best remembered by his contagious laugh and smile.

Symptoms began in 2015 and in 2020, Ryan faced a challenging diagnosis of Batten Disease, a rare and progressive neurological disorder. Despite the difficulties that came with this condition, Ryan showed resilience, acceptance, strength, patience and always the hope for a medical discovery. As his struggles to do daily activities became more difficult, he worked every day to live life to its fullest. Special thanks to the care teams at Madonna Rehabilitation, Angels Home Health, Country House and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

Ryan is preceded in death by his father Dean Hildebrand; grandparents, Darrell and Claire Palmer and Doyce and Lois Hildebrand, and his uncle Donnie Hildebrand.

He is survived by his mother ReAnn Hildebrand; sister Anna Ruppelt and husband Eric; his aunts and uncles: Karen Hildebrand, Mary Hildebrand, Jackie Hildebrand, Dana Palmer and wife Tami, Gayle Palmer and wife Karyl; and many counsins.

Family, friends, and community members are invited to celebrate Ryan’s life and memory. Visitation will be held on May 1, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Oakland United Methodist Church, located at 200 Main Street in Oakland, Iowa 51560. The Celebration of Life service will follow on May 2, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM, also at the Oakland United Methodist Church.

Memorials are suggested to St. Croix Hospice.