Hilda Lydia Garberg

Hilda was born on March 3rd, 1933 and passed away on September 14th, 2023 at the age of 90. She was married to the love of her life, Irv, for 68 years, who pre-deceased her in 2020. She is survived by son Paul of Spokane, son Gary and daughter-in-law Mollie of Lexington, MA, grandchildren Jeremy, Peder, Clare, Sarah, and Noah and two great grandchildren, Cayden and Aaron Garberg, and brother-in-law John Miner. She also had a son, Earl, who passed away in 2020.

Born in North Dakota and raised in Montana as the last of eight children in a German-immigrant family, Hilda’s first language was German. She didn’t learn English until she started first grade. As with all of her older siblings, she was only allowed to attend school through the sixth grade since her assistance was needed on the family farm. She left home at age 16 to make her way in the world.

Despite these very modest beginnings, she made an incredible life for herself, raising three sons and having many warm friendships. She was the kindest, most self-effacing person, always looking for the goodness in someone else. She would tell her children when they were growing up, “if you can’t say something nice about someone, then say nothing at all.” Toward the end of her life, when she needed help with many of life’s daily necessities, her most frequent statement to someone was “you do too much for me”.

Huge thanks to Rhonda Spangler, BSW, who helped oversee Hilda’s care in the last years of her life and became so much more – a true friend – to Hilda.

Contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church.