Hildred Elaine Piel

The Early Years

One of four children, Hildred was born on a farm near Elm Creek, NE on July 1, 1923 to Desoto and Lenore Paul. She would often tell stories about her siblings, including when she and her brother “accidently” burned down the family barn. Hildred graduated from Kearney High School in 1941. She then worked in the secretarial field and secured a position working for the Director of the National Youth Administration.

Life with Earl

Hildred met her husband, Earl Piel, while working at the National Youth Administration. She called Earl the love of her life. Illustrative of her humor, she once wrote: “When Earl started to kneel down to propose to me, his foot slipped. I always said he really fell for me!” They married in September 1943.

For ten years, the couple developed twenty acres on Soos Creek, east of Kent, before building their custom home on the site. A log cabin, believed to have been built around the turn of the century, was their “weekend retreat” on the property and is now showcased at the White River Valley Museum in Auburn, Washington.

A Sporting Family

Hildred and Earl were thrilled to be parents to their only son, Kenneth (Kenny). Fishing, camping, and hiking were frequent activities. They attended Kenneth’s many sporting events.

They loved to fish the Pacific for salmon and the Okanagan for trout, and the two developed quite a competition between them, which they passed on to her son. Hildred took the prize for catching the biggest fish, at least “from her recollection.” And her competitive streak did not stop at fishing – just ask any family member about her zest for card and other games!

Working Girl

Hildred followed Earl to Seattle, Washington, where she worked for the Office of Defense Transportation and Boeing during World War II. She had many stories about her time at Boeing. She and Earl were prominently pictured in Life Magazine and The Seattle Times at the May 13, 1944 roll-out of the 5000th Boeing B-17 bomber (5-Grand). This picture has been reprinted may times in several newspapers over the years, and Hildred was always pleased to point out their positions right in the foreground.

She later worked for Northwest Airlines and then returned to Boeing in the space division. She was honored to be part of the first Lunar Orbiter and Lunar Rover projects. Her favorite project was that of the Lunar Rover, the first vehicle used to explore the moon. She proudly claimed her fingerprint was put on the vehicle’s left front fender and should be on the moon to this day. Hildred retired from Boeing after 26 great years.

Interests and Activities

Earl and Hildred embraced their shared life in the Pacific Northwest and all it had to offer, but they never forgot their family and friends in Nebraska.

They enjoyed traveling; they visited nearly all 50 states and many international destinations, including Mexico, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. She wrote the following about one of her favorite memories: “Riding a one-hump camel in the Australian outback. That ride went on for eight miles. Oh, my! When you are skidding fore and back on a camel, blisters develop. Ouch!”

Hildred and Earl were active members in many community organizations, including the McMicken Heights Community Club, the East Hill Community Organization in Kent, and the Everett Trailer Club.

Hildred was a devoted member of the Marysville Free Methodist Church. She was passionate about genealogy and self-published two books about her and Earl’s families.

We have to make a special comment about her love for celebration. She loved to share in holidays and other special occasions with those that she cared about. For years, she hosted an annual breakfast for coworkers. Thanksgiving was “her holiday;” she always made it special by hosting a lively and festive holiday gathering.

Family Legacy

Hildred is survived by her son, Kenneth (Sharon); her granddaughter, Jennifer (Frank); and sister, Bethene (Herb). She also leaves numerous very special nieces, nephews, and friends.

Hildred was proceeded in death by her beloved husband, Earl; her parents, Desoto and Lenore; her brother, William (Evelyn); her sister Beulah (Jack); and her precious grandson, Jonathan.

Remembering Hildred’s Life

The family will honor Hildred’s life in a private service at Acacia Memorial Park. Remembrances can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a Treasure.” We will always love and treasure Hildred.