Hilda Eitzmann

Hilda Louise (Michel) Eitzmann, 97, the youngest of three children born to Otto and Louise (Oestmann) Michel, was born Nov. 29, 1924, at home on the family farm near Johnson, Neb.

Hilda attended Roosevelt Rural School District 26 near Johnson, through the eighth grade. After Arthur’s discharge in October 1945 from 3 1/2 years served abroad with the Army in WW II, Hilda was united in marriage to Arthur Eitzmann of Byron on May 23,1945, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, rural Auburn, Neb.

This marriage was blessed with two daughters, Lois and Lucille. After their marriage, Hilda and Arthur lived on a farm east of Hardy until 1963 when they moved to Byron. She joined the Byron Busy Bees Extension Club; and in later years, Hilda and Art became a member of the Byron Senior Citizens where she was active with making quilts.

Hilda was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed her role as a homemaker and caregiver.  She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family. She made numerous quilts and blankets for her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Visits from friends and family were a highlight of her life. 

Hilda and Arthur were lifetime members of St. Peter Lutheran Church, rural Byron. For 65 years, Hilda was an active member at St. Peters attending Mary Martha Circle, Bible study, and sewing blankets for Lutheran World Relief. Also assembling health kits and school kits for many years.

In 2011, Hilda moved to Lincoln to live with daughter and husband, Lois and David Kirchhoff.  She joined Good Shephard Lutheran church while living in Lincoln. In 2018, she moved “back home” to live with daughter and husband, Lucille and Lyle Schardt where she was currently residing.  She then became a member of Peace Lutheran Church of Deshler.

Hilda died July 12, 2022.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Louise Michel; her husband, Arthur Eitzmann; brother, Edwin Michel; and sister, Leona Lange.

Hilda is survived by her daughters and spouses, Mrs. David Kirchhoff (Lois) of Lincoln, Neb., and Mrs. Lyle Schardt (Lucille) of Byron; five grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Her funeral was held at Peace Lutheran Church of Deshler, July 16, conducted by Pastor Joseph D. Love.

Interment was in St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery, rural Byron.