Lily Hild

O n September 25, 2022, at the age of 97, longtime resident of North Platte, NE, Lily Hild slipped into eternity on what would have been her 78th wedding anniversary to her husband Roy, who died earlier this year in January.

Lily, the fourth of six children born to Harry and Gerda Lavine, was born March 30, 1925, in North Platte where she was raised. Her father was employed as a service station and fuel distributor as well as a construction contractor in concrete and carpentry.

Leaving high school a year early in 1942, Lily moved to Chicago to live with her two sisters (who had moved there to work) and was employed at the Autopoint Pencil Factory. After returning to North Platte in 1944 Lily met the love of her life, Roy Hild, at a dance at Jeffers Pavilion. The couple wed on September 25, 1944, while Roy was serving as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Force. When Roy was shipped out to serve in the Pacific Theater during W.W.II, Lily worked at Montgomery Ward.

Upon Roy's return at the conclusion of the war, he and Lily briefly lived in Brady, NE, then settled in North Platte when he began working for Pearson Appliance, Inc. In 1946 their son Kurt was born followed by Kent in 1950. Roy left Pearson's in 1955 and established Hild Service Company. Lily was principally engaged as secretary as she worked with Roy and continued that role when Roy entered the propane business. She remained involved as the principal office person until the office of Hild Propane, Inc., was moved to its current location on North Jeffers.

Lily is a long-time member and last surviving charter member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. She attended the Lutheran School, being confirmed after 8th grade, and remained there until she was no longer able to attend. She taught Sunday school, served in choir and women's ministry, and supported various outreach emphases of the church.

One of the greatest joys of Lily's life was her grandchildren and great-granddaughters.

She is survived by her son, Kurt (Tamara) of Santa Clarita, CA, and grandson Andrew Hild of San Diego, CA; son, Kent of North Platte, and former daughter-in-law, JoDee Hild of Wallace, granddaughter Katelynn (Kyle) Clough of Wallace, and two great-granddaughters, Kollins, and Kaizley Clough of Wallace; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with her beloved Roy, Lily was preceded in death by her parents, Harry, Sr. and Gerda Lavine; all her siblings, Erik, Gertrude, Mary, Harry, Jr., and Ruth Lavine; and sisters-in-law, Gerrie Lavine and Betty Lavine.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, September 29, 2022, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the church or donor's choice. Visitation is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.