Hannah M. Zeidlik

Hannah Zeidlik was the third child born to Charles and Constance Zeidlik. She was born July 26, 1922 on her dad's homestead near Middle River, MN. She lived on the farmstead until 1924 when she moved into Middle River, MN. She lived in Minneapolis, MN a short time before moving to Washington D.C. when she was 18. She started work as a historian for the Center of Military History, Department of the Army, and remained at the position until she retired.

Hannah Zeidlik was a highly respected military historian and community volunteer, a terrific friend and a much loved aunt to her nieces and nephews. A quick google of Hannah Zeidlik will reveal the many dozens of influential authors who have recognized her contributions in their prefaces.

Hannah was dedicated to volunteering her skills to community organizations from education to The Little Theatre of Alexandria to museums. She was an incredibly intelligent, independent and wise woman with a gentle heart and a dedication to equity and fairness for all regardless of race, sex or creed. Despite her high level professional position, Hannah was humble and celebrated the accomplishments and knowledge of others.

Hannah was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Other siblings, all deceased are: Charles Zeidlik of St. Louis, MO; Albert Zeidlik, of Roseau, Minnesota; Lottie Hoover, of Richville, MN; and Robert Zeidlik, of Crystal, MN. Hannah was also preceded in death by two nephews and one niece. She is survived by 18 nieces and nephews and one sister-in-law Ann Zeidlik.

Memorial Service date is pending.

Memories and reflections from nieces and nephews of their beloved Aunt Hannah Zeidlik.

• I remember Auntie Hannah as the "cool aunt", a favorite aunt. She was the aunt that played with us when we were kids. I remember jumping out of the 2nd floor neighbor's barn into hay piles - Auntie Hannah right behind me. When I was teen, and bought myself some funky red boots, she bought the same funky red boots. When I was a young adult and went to get a hip hair cut, she... well, she got a hair cut too.

• As a child I was scared of her intelligence when she would come around home. I also remember her huge heart, reaching out with compassion after the flood of 97 in Grand Forks.

• My most vivid later memories of Hannah involve her passion for healthy food. Long after she gave up on correcting my grammar, she tried to get me to eat right -- even clipping and sending articles she thought I should read. Of course, when I was younger, I just ignored these. Now, I am 62 and probably because of Hannah's passion for healthy food, I write a blog, read worldwide, on ultra healthy living for those with multiple sclerosis and how the right life style can turn things around. I am not sure that Hannah knew the extent to which she shaped our lives and values in some way but with her passion for ultra healthy living and food, but she certainly did just that.

• I remember her sweetness to me. Never ever was Hannah too busy to talk when I called her.