Hilma Blaich

Hilma M. Blaich, 97, Bismarck, passed away on August 31, 2008, at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, September 13, 2008 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Bismarck with Rev. Steve Sathre officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Hilma Marie Blaich was born on July 15, 1911, west of Mandan, ND, in Morton County, ND, the daughter of Kornelius Christian and Josephine Paulina Johanson Hendrickson. She was raised and attended school in Mandan, and graduated from Mandan High School in 1931. In 1936, Hilma moved to St. Paul, MN, where she was a mother’s helper. While being a nanny, she was wooed back home by Ernest Blaich, whom she married on September 28, 1937. They were married at the Heart River Lutheran Church located west of Mandan on the Heart River. Until recently, Hilma and Ernest were the only couple ever married in that church. How blessed they were with 67 happy years together. They moved to Bismarck following their marriage. After their son, Keith, graduated from high school, Hilma began employment as a store clerk in 1959 at A.W. Lucas Company. She worked primarily in the bridal gown area and retired in 1974. Hilma was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She was a member of a Circle, Quilters of Trinity, sang in the church choir for 59 years, and loved singing in the Messiah for 60 consecutive years. She also enjoyed her membership in the Thursday Music Club, Golden Kiwanis, Sons of Norway where she served as treasurer for many years, and was a charter member of Bismarck-Mandan symphony League. She loved to sing, sew, dance, and play dominoes and travel. She and Ernest treasured their travels to Arizona and other states, and the special trips to Hawaii and Norway. She emulated her philosophy, “keep smiling,” and will be deeply missed by her family and many good friends who loved her dearly. Hilma is survived by her son, Keith Blaich of Phoenix, AZ; two granddaughters, Tavia Andre Tan of Seattle, WA and Tamara Blaich of Los Angeles, CA; her great grandchildren, Fiona and Amelia; her sister, Ida Dahl of Seattle, WA; her brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Doris Hendrickson of Pleasant Hill, CA and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest; her parents; three sisters, Minnie Matthiesen, Nora Helbig and baby Winnifred and three brothers, Clarence, Clifford and baby Elmer Hendrickson.

Hilma Blaich

July 15, 1911 - August 31, 2008