Hildegarde P. Lella

Hildegarde P. Lella, 91, Wausau, died peacefully at her home on Thursday, August 15, 2013. She was born September 20, 1921, in Koblenz, Germany. As a child, she relocated to the US and was adopted by her uncle and aunt, Charles and Elizabeth Maske of Marinette, Wisconsin. On June 12, 1948, she married George G. Lella in Marinette. He preceded her in death October 15, 1999. Hildegarde was a graduate of the Oshkosh Diploma School of Nursing. After their marriage in 1948, the Lellas moved to Wausau. In 1986, Hildegarde retired from Wausau Hospital after working as a Registered Nurse in several capacities, spanning more than 40 years of dedicated service. She was a devoted wife, mother and nurse. Among her many pastimes, she enjoyed knitting, reading and made the best chocolate chip cookies. Her co-workers and friends looked forward to her cookies which disappeared instantly! Through the years, she volunteered her time and talents at her church, as well as area nursing homes and loved teaching children the basics of knitting. Survivors include her daughter, Mary Lella, LaCrosse; sister-in-law, Irene Lella, Neenah; brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Daniel and Sue Lella, Neenah; niece, Nancy (Mike) Czerwinski, Appleton; nephew, Thomas (Lee Ann) Lella, and great-nephew Michael, Wausau. The funeral liturgy will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 19, 2013 at the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, 2nd and McClellan Streets, Wausau. The Rev. William Grevatch will preside. Entombment will be in the Garden of Eternal Rest Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Sunday, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church. A special thank you to Rudy, her neighbor and friend, who was always there for her; Tom and Lee Ann for the Friday night fish fries at the Elks Club, and to her devoted caregivers, especially Vivian and Lynette, who provided the loving atmosphere for Hildegarde allowing her to remain in her home, and become part of their family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com