Verna Jean Hilderbrand

Verna Jean Hilderbrand (Frerichs) 96, of Cheyenne, Wyoming passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Verna was born May 2, 1929, in Ogallala, Nebraska to Harm J. And Sena (Lambertus) Frerichs. She was the oldest of four children - her siblings were Carlin, Elda and Doris.

She graduated from Ogallala High School, class of 1947, and continued her education at Kearney State.

Verna married John A. "Cactus Jack" Hilderbrand on June 11, 1950, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Ogallala, Nebraska. They were blessed with three sons, Martell, Rod and Rocky. Verna and Jack celebrated 75 years of marriage on June 11, 2025.

Verna was a mainstay in raising the three boys. She worked hand in hand with Cactus in all areas of the various businesses and endeavors over the years, including Cactus Jack's Clothing Stores which they owned and operated for nearly 30 years.

Verna was actively involved in the boys school/sporting events. She loved to bowl, play cards, golf, read, travel and was involved in a variety of activities and organizations in the Wheatland community.

Verna was a lifelong member and supporter of the Lutheran church. She was a deeply spiritual person and made it a daily habit to read her devotions and bible.

She is survived by her Husband Jack "Cactus", Sons Martell (Cindy), Rod and Rocky, Grandsons Cole Gustafson, Tyler Hilderbrand and their families, Brothers-in-law Charles Hilderbrand and Larry McCormick, Sister-in-law Ruth Frerichs and numerous nephews and nieces and their families.

Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes in Cheyenne, Wyoming is handling Verna's cremation.

The family will have a celebration of life at a later date.

The family is deeply appreciative of the care and support provided by the Pointe Frontier Staff, hospice, and care team.

In lieu of donations, cards, flowers, etc the family would like people to remember Verna with an act of kindness.