David R. Hilbink Obituary
David R. Hilbink 87 years old, of St. Joseph, Michigan died July 27, 2026, after a five year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. I would like to say goodbye to my friends and acquaintances, and especially to my family.
In March 2026 David moved to Forest Glen Assisted Living, where he found a whole new circle of friends for the next four months. David passed away peacefully at the Forest Glen Assisted Living Center in Dowagiac, and is survived by his son Paul (Debra) of Denver, Colorado; daughter Kristin Malsch of St. Joseph; daughter Jennifer Lehner (John) of St. Joseph; sister Barbara Schaap (Edward) of Holland, Michigan; and brother Richard (Mary) of Holland, Michigan.
Dave is also survived by four grandchildren: Fritz of Denver, Colorado; Ingrid Hopkins (Dillon) of Arvada, Colorado; Matthew Dolphy Clark of Bridgman, MI and Erik Clark, United States Air Force Major (KC-135 pilot) stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington, and one great-grandchild, Flynn Aurther Rider.
Dave was preceded in death by his beloved wife Margaret (Hadley) of St. Joseph (married 57 years); and his parents, Raymond and Wilma Hilbink of Holland, Michigan.
Dave was born in 1939 in Holland, MI and graduated from Holland High School in 1957, where he lettered in basketball and baseball. He then went on to attend Davenport Business College, Hope College, and graduated in 1962 from Ferris Institute with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce.
He spent his entire career in finance, 16 years working for Certified Public Accounting firms, then Vice President, Treasurer and Controller at Shepherd Products in St. Joseph, and finally, Senior Vice President of Finance at the United Federal Credit Union, where Dave retired in 2000 after 19 years.
Dave was an avid golfer and dearly LOVED fishing. He was a long time member of Berrien Hills Country Club. He and Margaret spent many winters at The Villages in Florida golfing. Dave enjoyed traveling, spending lots of time with grandchildren, and working with his son-in-law John in his carpentry business. Dave also loved the outdoors, working on his lawn and landscaping.
Dave and Margaret were also long time members of the First United Methodist Church and First Congregational Church of Saint Joseph, MI. A private service will be held in the Memorial Garden.
Memorial contributions may be made to Corewell Health Hospice of Southwestern Michigan 4025 Health Park Lane, Saint Joseph, MI 49085 Donation Memo: David Hilbink.
Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.
