Dr. Fred Phillip Hilpert, Jr. (83) passed away on May 18, 2023 in Modesto, California from complications of cancer. He was born on April 28, 1940 in Chehalis, Washington to Frederick Sr. and Beulah Hilpert. Raised on a farm in Centralia, he often shared stories about caring for livestock and spending time outside with his father hunting and fishing. As the oldest of four children, Fred kept a close bond with his siblings. At Centralia High School, Fred was well known around campus as student body president and a multi-sport athlete.
As the first of his family to attend college, Fred was fortunate to secure a four year baseball scholarship to the University of Washington, where he completed his undergraduate degree in 1962. In addition to being a standout first baseman, Fred was also an offensive and defensive lineman on the football team, a brother of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and a member of the Navy ROTC.
His ROTC training led him to the Vietnam War, where he served as a platoon lieutenant with the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. He was deployed in Vietnam from October 1964 to July 1965 in the first wave of U.S. Marines who landed in DaNang, tasked with establishing positions adjacent to the air base. For his service, he was awarded the Vietnamese Service Medal with two stars, the Vietnamese Campaign Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. After his deployment, Fred was promoted to Captain and served as a Communications Officer in Quantico, Virginia, and spent the next two years in staff positions with the 3rd Marine Air Wing. Fred treasured the brotherhood that emerged from his time in the military, and kept decades-long ties to other Vietnam Veterans as a mentor and a friend.
After returning to the states, Fred resumed his education and earned a Masters degree from California State University, Chico. He was awarded a National Defense Education Scholarship for doctoral study, allowing him to pursue a PhD in Speech Communication and Rhetoric from the University of Oregon. Following his completion of a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Illinois, Fred accepted a faculty appointment at CSU Stanislaus and made a home for his family in the Central Valley. Fred spent the bulk of his career as a professor of Communication Studies and as an active researcher of gerontology communications. Fred was always an active member of the university community, serving as Faculty Senate President, the president of the faculty collective bargaining unit, on a Presidential Search advisory committee, and as a Faculty Mentor.
A beloved educator, Dr. Hilpert was named the university's "Outstanding Professor" in 1985 and 2005, and was the inaugural recipient of the "Distinguished Faculty" award in 2010. Fred formally retired in 2011, but continued to serve as a Professor Emeritus and the Director of Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, where he further developed the program and assisted in its expansion to other California State Universities.
Alongside his military and academic service, Fred considered his family among his greatest accomplishments and joys in life. As a young father, Fred found great joy coaching his children in youth sports and spending time with them outdoors camping and fishing. The importance of educating and mentoring was always a focal point of his endeavors.
Fred and Patricia were married in 1986 and enjoyed thirty-five years of marriage. With their union, Fred's family in California expanded, and he took on the role of a loving father and uncle to many more. They enjoyed travels across Europe, to Mexico and Hawaii, and many cherished trips across the country for military reunions. Fred especially enjoyed frequent family trips to Bodega Bay and Lake Tahoe, where he shared his love of fishing with all. Recently, Fred's life was illuminated by attending his grandchildren's sporting events and graduations. As a high achiever himself, Fred was always pushing others to be their best, and was an inspiration and motivator to all who knew him.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Anita.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his six children, Adam Hilpert of Seattle, Washington, Amy Craig (Steve) of Anchorage, Alaska, and Elizabeth Hilpert of Wenatchee, Washington, Vincent Espinosa (Jineen) of Wilmington, North Carolina, Chris Espinosa (Kate) of Carmichael, California and Gina Pernetti (Rob) of Elk Grove, California. He is also survived by his siblings, Layne Hilpert and Tami Roof; and by grandchildren, Madison, Scott, Drayke, Morgan, Robin, Wallace, Alexandra, Fiona, Sophie, Michaela, Lorenzo, Tony, Ben, Nora and Bella; and six great grandchildren.
There will be a private military burial at Santa Nella National Cemetery, with details to follow about a celebration of life.
Published by Modesto Bee from May 23 to May 28, 2023.
As the first of his family to attend college, Fred was fortunate to secure a four year baseball scholarship to the University of Washington, where he completed his undergraduate degree in 1962. In addition to being a standout first baseman, Fred was also an offensive and defensive lineman on the football team, a brother of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and a member of the Navy ROTC.
His ROTC training led him to the Vietnam War, where he served as a platoon lieutenant with the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. He was deployed in Vietnam from October 1964 to July 1965 in the first wave of U.S. Marines who landed in DaNang, tasked with establishing positions adjacent to the air base. For his service, he was awarded the Vietnamese Service Medal with two stars, the Vietnamese Campaign Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. After his deployment, Fred was promoted to Captain and served as a Communications Officer in Quantico, Virginia, and spent the next two years in staff positions with the 3rd Marine Air Wing. Fred treasured the brotherhood that emerged from his time in the military, and kept decades-long ties to other Vietnam Veterans as a mentor and a friend.
After returning to the states, Fred resumed his education and earned a Masters degree from California State University, Chico. He was awarded a National Defense Education Scholarship for doctoral study, allowing him to pursue a PhD in Speech Communication and Rhetoric from the University of Oregon. Following his completion of a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Illinois, Fred accepted a faculty appointment at CSU Stanislaus and made a home for his family in the Central Valley. Fred spent the bulk of his career as a professor of Communication Studies and as an active researcher of gerontology communications. Fred was always an active member of the university community, serving as Faculty Senate President, the president of the faculty collective bargaining unit, on a Presidential Search advisory committee, and as a Faculty Mentor.
A beloved educator, Dr. Hilpert was named the university's "Outstanding Professor" in 1985 and 2005, and was the inaugural recipient of the "Distinguished Faculty" award in 2010. Fred formally retired in 2011, but continued to serve as a Professor Emeritus and the Director of Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, where he further developed the program and assisted in its expansion to other California State Universities.
Alongside his military and academic service, Fred considered his family among his greatest accomplishments and joys in life. As a young father, Fred found great joy coaching his children in youth sports and spending time with them outdoors camping and fishing. The importance of educating and mentoring was always a focal point of his endeavors.
Fred and Patricia were married in 1986 and enjoyed thirty-five years of marriage. With their union, Fred's family in California expanded, and he took on the role of a loving father and uncle to many more. They enjoyed travels across Europe, to Mexico and Hawaii, and many cherished trips across the country for military reunions. Fred especially enjoyed frequent family trips to Bodega Bay and Lake Tahoe, where he shared his love of fishing with all. Recently, Fred's life was illuminated by attending his grandchildren's sporting events and graduations. As a high achiever himself, Fred was always pushing others to be their best, and was an inspiration and motivator to all who knew him.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Anita.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his six children, Adam Hilpert of Seattle, Washington, Amy Craig (Steve) of Anchorage, Alaska, and Elizabeth Hilpert of Wenatchee, Washington, Vincent Espinosa (Jineen) of Wilmington, North Carolina, Chris Espinosa (Kate) of Carmichael, California and Gina Pernetti (Rob) of Elk Grove, California. He is also survived by his siblings, Layne Hilpert and Tami Roof; and by grandchildren, Madison, Scott, Drayke, Morgan, Robin, Wallace, Alexandra, Fiona, Sophie, Michaela, Lorenzo, Tony, Ben, Nora and Bella; and six great grandchildren.
There will be a private military burial at Santa Nella National Cemetery, with details to follow about a celebration of life.
Published by Modesto Bee from May 23 to May 28, 2023.
Dr. Fred Phillip Hilpert, Jr. (83) passed away on May 18, 2023 in Modesto, California from complications of cancer. He was born on April 28, 1940 in Chehalis, Washington to Frederick Sr. and Beulah Hilpert. Raised on a farm in Centralia, he often shared stories about caring for livestock and spending time outside with his father hunting and fishing. As the oldest of four children, Fred kept a close bond with his siblings. At Centralia High School, Fred was well known around campus as student body president and a multi-sport athlete.
As the first of his family to attend college, Fred was fortunate to secure a four year baseball scholarship to the University of Washington, where he completed his undergraduate degree in 1962. In addition to being a standout first baseman, Fred was also an offensive and defensive lineman on the football team, a brother of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and a member of the Navy ROTC.
His ROTC training led him to the Vietnam War, where he served as a platoon lieutenant with the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. He was deployed in Vietnam from October 1964 to July 1965 in the first wave of U.S. Marines who landed in DaNang, tasked with establishing positions adjacent to the air base. For his service, he was awarded the Vietnamese Service Medal with two stars, the Vietnamese Campaign Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. After his deployment, Fred was promoted to Captain and served as a Communications Officer in Quantico, Virginia, and spent the next two years in staff positions with the 3rd Marine Air Wing. Fred treasured the brotherhood that emerged from his time in the military, and kept decades-long ties to other Vietnam Veterans as a mentor and a friend.
After returning to the states, Fred resumed his education and earned a Masters degree from California State University, Chico. He was awarded a National Defense Education Scholarship for doctoral study, allowing him to pursue a PhD in Speech Communication and Rhetoric from the University of Oregon. Following his completion of a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Illinois, Fred accepted a faculty appointment at CSU Stanislaus and made a home for his family in the Central Valley. Fred spent the bulk of his career as a professor of Communication Studies and as an active researcher of gerontology communications. Fred was always an active member of the university community, serving as Faculty Senate President, the president of the faculty collective bargaining unit, on a Presidential Search advisory committee, and as a Faculty Mentor.
A beloved educator, Dr. Hilpert was named the university's "Outstanding Professor" in 1985 and 2005, and was the inaugural recipient of the "Distinguished Faculty" award in 2010. Fred formally retired in 2011, but continued to serve as a Professor Emeritus and the Director of Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, where he further developed the program and assisted in its expansion to other California State Universities.
Alongside his military and academic service, Fred considered his family among his greatest accomplishments and joys in life. As a young father, Fred found great joy coaching his children in youth sports and spending time with them outdoors camping and fishing. The importance of educating and mentoring was always a focal point of his endeavors.
Fred and Patricia were married in 1986 and enjoyed thirty-five years of marriage. With their union, Fred's family in California expanded, and he took on the role of a loving father and uncle to many more. They enjoyed travels across Europe, to Mexico and Hawaii, and many cherished trips across the country for military reunions. Fred especially enjoyed frequent family trips to Bodega Bay and Lake Tahoe, where he shared his love of fishing with all. Recently, Fred's life was illuminated by attending his grandchildren's sporting events and graduations. As a high achiever himself, Fred was always pushing others to be their best, and was an inspiration and motivator to all who knew him.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Anita.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his six children, Adam Hilpert of Seattle, Washington, Amy Craig (Steve) of Anchorage, Alaska, and Elizabeth Hilpert of Wenatchee, Washington, Vincent Espinosa (Jineen) of Wilmington, North Carolina, Chris Espinosa (Kate) of Carmichael, California and Gina Pernetti (Rob) of Elk Grove, California. He is also survived by his siblings, Layne Hilpert and Tami Roof; and by grandchildren, Madison, Scott, Drayke, Morgan, Robin, Wallace, Alexandra, Fiona, Sophie, Michaela, Lorenzo, Tony, Ben, Nora and Bella; and six great grandchildren.
There will be a private military burial at Santa Nella National Cemetery, with details to follow about a celebration of life.
Published by Modesto Bee from May 23 to May 28, 2023.
As the first of his family to attend college, Fred was fortunate to secure a four year baseball scholarship to the University of Washington, where he completed his undergraduate degree in 1962. In addition to being a standout first baseman, Fred was also an offensive and defensive lineman on the football team, a brother of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and a member of the Navy ROTC.
His ROTC training led him to the Vietnam War, where he served as a platoon lieutenant with the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. He was deployed in Vietnam from October 1964 to July 1965 in the first wave of U.S. Marines who landed in DaNang, tasked with establishing positions adjacent to the air base. For his service, he was awarded the Vietnamese Service Medal with two stars, the Vietnamese Campaign Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. After his deployment, Fred was promoted to Captain and served as a Communications Officer in Quantico, Virginia, and spent the next two years in staff positions with the 3rd Marine Air Wing. Fred treasured the brotherhood that emerged from his time in the military, and kept decades-long ties to other Vietnam Veterans as a mentor and a friend.
After returning to the states, Fred resumed his education and earned a Masters degree from California State University, Chico. He was awarded a National Defense Education Scholarship for doctoral study, allowing him to pursue a PhD in Speech Communication and Rhetoric from the University of Oregon. Following his completion of a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Illinois, Fred accepted a faculty appointment at CSU Stanislaus and made a home for his family in the Central Valley. Fred spent the bulk of his career as a professor of Communication Studies and as an active researcher of gerontology communications. Fred was always an active member of the university community, serving as Faculty Senate President, the president of the faculty collective bargaining unit, on a Presidential Search advisory committee, and as a Faculty Mentor.
A beloved educator, Dr. Hilpert was named the university's "Outstanding Professor" in 1985 and 2005, and was the inaugural recipient of the "Distinguished Faculty" award in 2010. Fred formally retired in 2011, but continued to serve as a Professor Emeritus and the Director of Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, where he further developed the program and assisted in its expansion to other California State Universities.
Alongside his military and academic service, Fred considered his family among his greatest accomplishments and joys in life. As a young father, Fred found great joy coaching his children in youth sports and spending time with them outdoors camping and fishing. The importance of educating and mentoring was always a focal point of his endeavors.
Fred and Patricia were married in 1986 and enjoyed thirty-five years of marriage. With their union, Fred's family in California expanded, and he took on the role of a loving father and uncle to many more. They enjoyed travels across Europe, to Mexico and Hawaii, and many cherished trips across the country for military reunions. Fred especially enjoyed frequent family trips to Bodega Bay and Lake Tahoe, where he shared his love of fishing with all. Recently, Fred's life was illuminated by attending his grandchildren's sporting events and graduations. As a high achiever himself, Fred was always pushing others to be their best, and was an inspiration and motivator to all who knew him.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Anita.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his six children, Adam Hilpert of Seattle, Washington, Amy Craig (Steve) of Anchorage, Alaska, and Elizabeth Hilpert of Wenatchee, Washington, Vincent Espinosa (Jineen) of Wilmington, North Carolina, Chris Espinosa (Kate) of Carmichael, California and Gina Pernetti (Rob) of Elk Grove, California. He is also survived by his siblings, Layne Hilpert and Tami Roof; and by grandchildren, Madison, Scott, Drayke, Morgan, Robin, Wallace, Alexandra, Fiona, Sophie, Michaela, Lorenzo, Tony, Ben, Nora and Bella; and six great grandchildren.
There will be a private military burial at Santa Nella National Cemetery, with details to follow about a celebration of life.
Published by Modesto Bee from May 23 to May 28, 2023.
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