Hilda Elizabeth (Seiwert) Fischer (1906 - 1995)

Born 8 Apr 1906 in Saint Marks, Sedgwick, Kansas, United States

Ancestors

Died 24 Aug 1995 at age 89 in Attica, Harper, Kansas, United States

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Biography

Hilda was born in 1906. She was the daughter of Joseph Seiwert and Gertrud Strunk. Faithful wife, mother, and good neighbor.

Hilda Elizabeth Seiwert was the first-born child (of 10) of Joseph and Gertrude Strunk Seiwert. She was born on the family farm near Andale, Kansas. As a child, she was taught (compulsory), by her maternal grandmother, to crochet, embroider, and patch by hand torn socks and overalls. At age 7, which was the threshold for formal education, she attended school in Saint Marks, KS, walking 3/4 of a mile to meet her ride to take her to school. In her youth, Hilda spoke only German at home, so she began her English lessons at the single-room, Catholic school. Hilda furthered her German education until the fifth grade, when WW1 started. Thereafter, German classes were discontinued. Once able to drive the horse and buggy to school, Hilda was tasked with leading the team of horses pulling the one and two-bottom plows. She worked hard on the farm and in school. Hilda graduated valedictorian from the eighth grade. Since Saint Marks did not have a high school, and the nearest one was too far to attend (Wichita), Hilda stayed on the family farm and worked as her "father's hired man." Periodically, she would work as a domestic for families in Wichita and nearby towns.

Hilda, and her sister Bernadine, kept house for the Conrad and Theresia Fischer family. Despite the age difference, Hilda had her eye on a farmer, Conrad the younger. He had returned from WW1 and set his mind on dating Hilda. Conrad would travel from Saint Leo, KS to see Hilda, and due to distance, would stay overnight with her ever-watchful family. Over time, Conrad won their approval, and on October 11, 1927, Conrad John Fischer (age 34) and Hilda Elizabeth Seiwert (age 21) were married in Saint Marks, Kansas at the St. Marks Catholic Church.

Hilda knew how to turn a house into a home. She faithfully tended to the needs of her large family (eleven children), cooking, sewing, hand quilting, and gardening. In the kitchen, canning, baking, and hand-written recipes were the norm. Her diligent hands meant that the underground cellar, pantry shelves, and freezer on the back porch, were always full. In the living room, one would frequently find, in progress, a large puzzle or a queen-sized quilt rolled in a wooden frame. At Thanksgiving, her roasting pan of made-from-scratch dressing was a family favorite. Hilda truly was a Proverbs 31 woman. She often sang in German, while she worked, delighting all with her beautiful soprano voice.

"Hot Rod Hilda" was a nickname that was bestowed upon Hilda, due to her maroon, 1970 Buick GS 455, with white interior. She drove a "muscle car" that was the envy of all the teenagers in town! Her young grandchildren called her, "Grandma Diggin'," because she routinely was found tending to her garden.

Active in St. Boniface Catholic Church, in Sharon, KS, Hilda loved Jesus Christ. She had a heart to serve and looked out for her neighbor. She enjoyed many a visit at the town's general store. Despite knowing the hardship of the loss of a child, Hilda kept her faith, joy, and humor. She persevered through 17 years of widowhood, and end-of-life illness, with prayer and expectancy for the heavenly reunion to come.

Legacy: 11 children, 36 grandchildren, and numerous great grands.

Gone, but not forgotten! Contributor:A.Fischer

She passed away in 1995.

Sources

• FindaGrave Page [1]