Hilda Workman

Hilda Workman age 87, of North Judson, Indiana, entered eternal life on November 22, 2016 at Pulaski Health Care Center surrounded by her loving family. She was born Hildegard Scheler on March 25, 1929 to Catherine Hedwig Jacoby and Cornelius Scheler in Bremen, Germany. She experienced the family life of a normal German child until the outbreak of World War II. During the war she survived all of the atrocities of war including the separation from her parents and siblings, the bombing loss of her childhood home, and the incarceration of her father in a Nazi prison camp for his part in the Nazi resistance movement. Her most cherished memory during those difficult times was the time she spent in Berchtesgaden, a war refuge for children, in the Alps. After the war she met the love of her life, Pearl Workman, a young American soldier whom she married on August 12, 1946. Due to Pearl's re- enlistment in the US army they remained in post-war Germany for another 2-3 years before returning to the USA. She spent most of her life as a homemaker in North Judson, Indiana with her husband and children where she learned to speak English, proudly became an American citizen, and together with her husband raised six children. Hilda enjoyed her vegetable and fruit gardens and preserving her own food. She loved adventure, she loved to travel, and she loved animals of all kinds, especially her back yard birds. Hilda enjoyed cooking, and especially enjoyed listening to her German music. She was a member of Saint Peter's Lutheran church. She volunteered for hospice in 1985 and brought comfort to many. She is survived by five children, Samantha Workman (Robert Fenn) of Waukesha, Wisconsin, Connie (Joseph) Milligan of Monticello, Indiana, Irene Workman (Gene Tinelli) of Jamestown, New York, Robert ( Ella Kathleen) Workman of North Judson, Indiana, and Luranie ( Dale) Bales of North Judson, Indiana. Thirteen surviving grandchildren include Kelley (Freddie) Betances, Katie (Aaron )Tester, Jeffrey (Rebecca) Milligan, Joseph (Penny) Milligan, Ashlee (Jeremy) Siegle, Corey (Gina) Tinelli, Cari (Charlie) Poag, Samantha (Rob) Martin, Steven (Annie) Workman, Suzann (Joshua) McLaughlin, Wes (Rose) Workman, Joshua (fiancé Jenna Albers) Workman, Jennifer (Joe) Trusty and 25 great-grandchildren. A sister Bertle Peters and brother Gunther Scheler, both from Germany also survive. Preceding her in death along with her parents, two sisters and two brothers, was her beloved husband, Pearl Workman in 1985 and beloved son, Steven Joe in 2004. Visitation will be held Saturday Nov. 26 from 4-8 pm CST at O'Donnell Funeral Home, 302 Lane St. North Judson, In. Services will be held Sunday Nov. 27 at 2 pm CST at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, North Judson with interment to follow at Highland Cemetery in North Judson. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Peter's Lutheran Church, North Judson.

Hilda Workman

March 25, 1929 - November 22, 2016