Hildie was born on August 23, 1924 in Baileyville, Kansas, the daughter of Dr. Michael and Anne Bernreiter. She lived most of her life in the Kansas City area and attended high school at St. Teresa's Academy. She graduated from Mount St. Scholastica College in Atchison, Kansas in 1946 and two years later received a Masters Degree in Medical Social Work from St Louis University. Thereafter, she was employed at the Kansas City General Hospital (currently Truman Medical Center) working in the heart clinic when she met Dr. James W. Fowler on Valentine's Day. Jim was completing his residency at General Hospital. They quickly fell in love and were married on October 21, 1950. That union launched an exemplary marriage that would span 60 years during which they served as model parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.
Hildie was always active in her church and her faith sustained her throughout her life. She was also involved in the schools and interests of her children and was an active mom with her sons in the Boy Scouts of America. Appreciating the fine arts and music, she had an artistic flair as a painter and accomplished pianist and also sang with the Sweet Adelines. Some of the many passions shared with her husband Jim included spending time with their children and grandchildren, hiking, canoeing, bird watching, photography with the Kansas City Slide Club and traveling both in the U.S. and internationally. She tirelessly volunteered at numerous organizations including St. Mary's Hospital auxiliary, Children's Mercy Hospital, Salvation Army, Friends of Art and the Symphony Women's Association. Enjoying any activities with youngsters, Hildie often read to children at Children's Mercy Hospital or assisted with the children's concerts sponsored by the Symphony.
In their later years, Hildie and Jim resided at Kingswood Senior Living and found it a perfect life after home ownership. Adding to their long list of friends, Hildie was the spark of friendship at Kingswood and she was always very enthusiastic in welcoming new residents, planning activities or outings and enjoying mealtime in the dining hall.
Hildie was preceded in death by Jim, her husband of 60 years, and her sister, Eleanor Falk. She is survived by daughter Carolyn Eakins (Mike), sons: David (Beth), Greg (Diane) and Randy. Hildie was the beloved “Grammie” to her six grandchildren: Mike Nussbeck (Dana), Matt Nussbeck, Michael Fowler (Kelly), Haley Stoeckel (Cody), Robert Fowler (Paige) and Stephen Fowler. She had eleven great-grandchildren: Jackson, Henry and Molly Fowler, Miles, George, Libby and Theodore Fowler, Samantha, Alyssa and Riley Stoeckel and Danny Nussbeck and his brother (number twelve) on the way. In addition, she leaves many nieces, nephews and friends. Hildie will be missed and remembered by all that knew her, especially for her quick wit and humor.
A visitation (10:00 am) and celebration of Hildie’s life (11:00 am) will be held on July 8th at St Thomas More Church (11822 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO 64131) immediately followed by a reception at the church.
Hildie suggested memorial contributions in lieu of flowers to either Kingswood Senior Living (payable to Kingswood Foundation, 10000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64114) or St Thomas More Church.
