Hildegard Werner, 87 / July 27, 1923 — June 21, 2011

Published 10:08 pm Monday, June 27, 2011

Hildegard K. “Hilde” Werner, 87, of Old U.S. 31 North, Niles, died at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at the home of her niece, Gudrun, following an extended illness.

She was born July 27, 1923 in Antonienhutte, Oberschlesien, Germany to Otto Heinrich Jelen and Klara Rosalie (Rokus) Jelen. She moved from Germany to Niles in 1960. She retired to Eustis, Fla. and later returned to Niles.

Hilde was employed in the family’s plumbing service office. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Niles and a former member of the DANK Chapter 13 in Benton Harbor. She always had a smile and enjoyed people.

Hilde married Bernard Johan Werner on Sept. 14, 1953 in Stuttgart, Germany. He died Jan. 26, 1999.

She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Hans Jelen, Eugen Jelen and Rudi Jelen; and sister, Magda Trucksess.

She is survived by her sisters, Anni Werner of Niles and Trudel Theobald of Piochingen, Germany; nieces, Gudrun Prestine of Niles, Dagmar Benner of Niles and Barbara Cripps of Novi, Mich.; several other nieces and nephews in Germany; and special friend, Sara Herzberg, who helped provide her care.

A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m.Friday, July 1 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Niles with the Rev. David Otto of the church officiating.

Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Eustis, Fla.

Friends may call beginning a half-hour before services at the church.

Arrangements were made by Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Mary Catholic Church or Hospice at Home, Buchanan.