Hilda A. (Martin) LaBelle

Hilda A. Martin LaBelle, aged 92, peacefully passed away surrounded by family to her heavenly home on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

The daughter of Benjamin and Pauline (Krueger) Martin born on December 31, 1933, in the Town of Johnson/Athens, Wisconsin. She was the youngest daughter of 13 children and the first of the family to attend college.

Hilda will be remembered as a bright and intelligent woman who lived a rich and accomplished life. A high achiever, she took great pride in excellence and deeply valued education and advancement. She started school at a young age and graduated as valedictorian of Trinity Lutheran School. Later, Hilda represented Athens High School at Badger Girls State in 1950 and graduated with honors in 1951. Hilda pursued nursing and graduated with honors in 1956 from Saint Mary's School of Nursing with Mayo in Rochester, Minnesota. She made history as the first nursing student to assist a physician during surgery.

Among her many admirers, she fell in love and married Charles LaBelle II on August 11, 1956. Together, they were blessed with two children, Charles and Renee. The family made homes in many states throughout the country and settled in Oostburg, Wisconsin in 1975. Hilda supported her husband and children in their professional and academic endeavors before returning to her career in nursing in 1971. She lived her life independently in North Carolina and retired as a Registered Nurse from Duke University in 1996, reflecting that she “found nursing to be an interesting and fulfilling career.”

A lifelong learner, Hilda had a deep interest in the world. She loved to stay busy with her educational, artistic and travel pursuits. She was an avid traveler who traveled to numerous countries across three continents. Hilda had a deep appreciation for the arts, she enjoyed ballet, opera and museums. Talented with fiber arts, she was especially industrious and passionate about knitting, resulting in many family members receiving an intricately knitted sweater. With a thirst for knowledge, she collected books and took classes to be well versed in many topics. Hilda lived her life devoted to supporting the efforts of others to help them reach their highest potential.

She is survived by her son, Charles LaBelle III; her daughter, Renee (Bob) Rewitzer; four grandchildren, Jessica La Belle, Briannah La Belle, Maxwell (Emma Shukle) Rewitzer, and Katie Rewitzer; her brother, Ed (Ellie) Martin; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother, Ferdinand; seven brothers and their spouses, Dan (Hildegard and Emmy), Louie (Albina and Alma), Ewald (Irene and Helen), Rudy (Fredia and Elisa), Mike (Edith), John (Paula and Virginia), and Wally (Jeanette); and four sisters and their spouses, Rosalia (Hank) Rodman, Lydia (Ralph) Schneeveis, Olga (Dallas) Powers, and Erna (Floyd and Wilbert) Wilde; Charles LaBelle II.

A memorial service honoring Hilda’s life will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 N. 6th St., Wausau, WI 54403. The visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by the memorial service at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon to follow. Guests are invited to attend the interment in Athens Village Cemetery located on Degner Street, Athens, Wisconsin following the luncheon. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.