Hilja E. Johnston

In August of 1944, Hilja escaped from Estonia to Germany with her mother and grandmother ahead of Russian reoccupation. Through DP camps, they eventually found housing in the Estonian DP section in Geislingen, Germany. Her mother was recognized as a German citizen born outside of Germany. Hilja graduated from German school, getting her first job as a bookkeeper in the town brewery. They relocated to Ludwigsburg where her mother was a career postal employee. Hilja worked in London and Paris as a Mothers Helper. She learned English with the child she cared for, watching BBC television. She also took courses in both cities becoming proficient in both languages. In Ludwigsburg she had several positions with the Quartermaster unit there. At the time of her marriage, she had been promoted to a team of inspectors at the 7th Army Support Command. Her marriage application was received on Friday and Jim's Vietnam alert orders came on Monday. That Friday, the Civil wedding only available time was at 7:30 a.m., May 27th in Ludwigsburg with Episcopal wedding June 4 in Munich. A bonus for Jim was no longer being Uncle to Sven, but Daddy. When arriving in the USA on 18 June, her cross country stops ok at her Fathers house in Princeton NJ, Cleveland OH, and Moberly to meet Jim's family. On the second day in crossing Kansas, Hilja wanted to know, "When are we getting out of Kansas". Finally reporting in to Ft. Lewis, an apartment was found in Olympia. The Vietnam separation was eased by sending and receiving letters and tapes covering daily activities. After returning to US, the next move was to Ft. Lee, Virginia. After Jim's graduation, his assignment was with the Army and Air Force Exchange-Europe. Luckily, traveling to Germany was on the SS United States. Housing was at Camp King, in Oberursel, Germany, with Jim's duties in Frankfort and Wiesbaden. Glen was born 17 August at the Wiesbaden Air Force Hospital. After Leaving the service in 1969, Jim's job search in Peoria, IL resulted in being hired by RJR Renolds Tobacco Company for a vacancy in Fort. Wayne, IN. To help make ends meet. Hilja applied for and was hired as a bookkeeper at the Win Shulas restaurant in the Marriott Ft. Wayne Hotel. In March 1975, with Jim's promotion, Indianapolis was her last home. Hilja insisted on waiting until Reagan was President to apply and receive citizenship in 1981. In the years to follow she was involved with Sven and Glen's Hockey and BMX activities. A Riviera Club member for 42 years, most of her jobs were as a bookkeeper. She worked at AAA, The Pyramids, Block Department Store, Kittles Furniture, The Amateur Athletic Union,(as Secretary to the Executive Director. Magnaslice Inc, McNamara Florists, Sheil Sexton, Maplehurst Dairy, An Honor Carrier with the Indianapolis Star. Her last job was with Deans Dairy who bought Maplehurst. When Jim was retired due to a heart condition, Hilja left Deans to be with him. Choosing to enjoy time left, more travel began. A life member of Ambassador Travel with other trips and cruises of over 150 days. All 50 States, 6 Provinces of Canada and the Yukon. A wonderful Wife, Mother and Grand and Great Grandmother. Hilja has gone to be with Sven in heaven.