Hilda Clausnitzer was born June 25, 1923 and last Thursday passed peacefully after a four-year battle with breast cancer. She was indeed a member of the “greatest generation” -- displaying courage in facing an overwhelming enemy, showing determination to fight and defeat this new foe, and having faith in God to sustain her in body and spirit during this time. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, brought Hilda home on August 4, 2016 to share His everlasting peace and joy.
Hilda was one of fifteen children born to John and Rose Baumiller. Both John and Rose were Russian-born and immigrated to the USA with their parents in the first decade of the 20th century. John and Rose married in December 1913 in Trip, SD and eventually settled near Baldwin, ND. It was in the clapboard-sided farmhouse on the family farm that Hilda was born in 1923. Hilda completed two years at Wilton High School, but was, of necessity, forced to quit and help on the family farm during the Great Depression years.
Farming his homestead until 1941, John moved the family to Bismarck, ND where the family worked a variety of jobs for support during the war years. Hilda, then 17 years old, and her younger brother, Lawrence, had an hour-long program on KFYR radio in Bismarck during that time. They played the guitar and sang three times a week during the four year span; Hilda’s favorite song during those war years was “Cowboy Jack”.
Having experienced the Great Depression and World War II, Hilda Baumiller and her new husband, Rex Clausnitzer, were ready for victory abroad and post-war expansion in July 1945. Rex was recovering from wounds received in the European theater and was headed to Arkansas and Texas when they were married in Bismarck ND. Following military discharge, the new family settled in Western Washington where Rex worked as a bus driver. Their first child, Sharon, was born June 18, 1946. Rodrick was born March 10, 1948. After moving to Yakima, where Rex was employed at the Hanford Nuclear Facility, Ronald was born June 9, 1949. The family moved back to North Dakota where Darwin was born September 16, 1950. Rex was employed as a carpenter and deliveryman for Lucas Company. Hilda was busy raising four children. Tired of the North Dakota winters, Rex and Hilda moved the family to Puyallup, Washington in 1953. They settled at the family home on 14th Street. Rex found employment at St. Regis Pulp and Paper Co. where he continued until his retirement in 1978. During these years, additions to the family came May 17, 1954 with the birth of Lonnie and May 16, 1955 with Arvella's arrival.
Hilda was the foundation of the household and taught her six children Christian values and a work ethic that benefit all family members even today. For many years she worked seasonally as a field boss in the agriculture fields so common to Puyallup’s past. There she positively influenced many kids including her own. In later years, Hilda enjoyed bowling, bingo, casino games, and puzzles; she shared her enthusiasm with family members – she was always a winner.
Hilda’s six children, fifteen grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren brought great joy into her life. These included children and their spouses: Sharon and Wayne Engle, Rod and Claudia Clausnitzer, Ron and Barbara Clausnitzer, Darwin and Linda Clausnitzer, Lonnie and Debbie Clausnitzer, Arvella and Mike O'Keefe. Grandchildren and great grandchildren: Quinn and James Wise with Keegan, Brandon, Aden, Payton, and Nalin; Aleigha Lawfer; Ryan Clausnitzer; Emmy Clausnitzer; Benjamin and Lisa Clausnitzer with Owen; Joel and Jessica Clausnitzer with Dane and Chloe; Travis and Erica Clausnitzer with Everett; Kelly and Rico Beniga with Ethan and Erin; Jarrett Clausnitzer; Christian and Rochelle Clausnitzer with Colton, Easton, and Hailey; Rebecca and Keavon Anbardan with Elliana and Delaney; Nicholas Clausnitzer; Justin and Lea O'Keefe with Remington and Dakota; Joshua and Christina O'Keefe with Isabella; and Mikelle O'Keefe.
Hilda was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Rex, who passed away in 2010. She is also preceded in death by father John, mother Rose, brothers Clarence, Lawrence, and Allen, sisters Mabel, Aldina, and Betty, and daughter-in-law Barbara. Surviving sisters include Rose and Shirley, and brother Donald.
The family will remember and miss her unselfish support and unconditional love in addition to the best cinnamon rolls in the West.
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