Hildegard "Hilde" C. Szarkowitz

Hildegard “Hilde” C. Szarkowitz, age 97, passed away on March 7, 2026 in Weston, WI. Hilde was born on January 8, 1929, the youngest of nine children. Preceding her in death were her Polish immigrant parents John Szarkowitz and Bernice (Baron) Szarkowitz and her eight brothers and sisters, Julia, Jospeh, Thomas, Anthony and Henry Szarkowitz, and Veronica Mirek, Mary Dorshak, and Rosalie Slusarski.

As a young girl Hilde lived on the family farm in the Town of Weston, WI with her parents and siblings. She attended school in a one room schoolhouse located across the road from their family farm. Hilde grew up to be a beautiful ambitious young woman, who at an early age left Wisconsin to pursue a modeling career in New York City.

In the 1960’s Hilde moved to Milwaukee, WI where she lived for over 50 years. She began working as a secretary at a local school. In 1978 Hilde started work at the Milwaukee County Courthouse where she held various positions for more than 26 years, retiring in 2004 at the age of 75.

Hilde was always on the go. In her spare time, she attended classes at Marquette University, was an election worker for the City of Milwaukee, sold some Avon, played a little bingo at the Potawatomi Casino, and scratched her fair share of Wisconsin Lottery tickets.

Hilde traveled frequently. She drove back to Wausau, took the Amtrak to Chicago, and flew to Dallas. Being a devout Catholic Hilde made several trips to Medjugorje, Bosnia, a major Catholic pilgrimage site. Hilde was never happier than when she had a rosary in one hand and a current issue of Vogue magazine in the other.

Hilde loved to dine out with family and friends every chance she got. Holiday meals were always a special event for her.

Remembered as stubborn, sassy, witty, and lovable, Hilde passed away on Saturday morning March 7, 2026 in her room at Pride TLC Assisted Living which is located in what is now the Village of Weston. Pride is across the street from where the Szarkowtiz family farm and one room schoolhouse stood 97 years earlier.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 16, 2026 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. The Rev. Allan L. Slowiak will preside. Private family burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter at a later. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

The family would like to thank everyone for their care, perseverance and friendship.