Hildegard Theresa (Schiele) Molter was a bright spot in our community. She was faithful, loyal and strong woman who touched many lives through church, teaching career, extensive volunteering and countless friendships. She passed from this world on Sunday January 15, 2023.
Hilda was born in Chicago on Jan 7, 1941 to Anton and Theresa Schiele. Hilda was raised on their family farm in Bangor. She attended Nazareth Academy in Kalamazoo where she had a lifelong affection and served on the alumni board for many years. While raising 4 children she put herself through Western Michigan University and received a bachelor’s degree in 1974, she later received her masters and specialist degree from Western.
In 1980 she married her amazing and beloved husband Robert (Bob) E. Molter of Coloma and remained together until her death. After her retirement she and Bob traveled extensively and loved camping and spending their winters in Sebring, Florida.
She began her teaching career at St. Joseph Catholic School in Watervliet and later at Washington Elementary in Coloma. She loved her time as a 5th grade CUE teacher at Coloma Middle School. This meant that she had an opportunity to work as a reading specialist with the class room teacher. She traveled internationally to the birthplace of her parents and other destinations, always proud of her German heritage. She maintained relationships with many of her German Cousins and relatives throughout her life.
She is survived by 4 children from her first marriage, Robert (Debra) Martin of Murfreesboro Tennessee, Julie Wuerfel of St. Joseph, Christine Martin of Paris Tennessee & Kelley (Jim) Vigrass of Ypsilanti. She is also survived by 7 step children Robert (Kim) Molter of Charlevoix, George (Dina) Molter of Paw Paw, Gina (Patrick) O’Brien of Coloma, Lisa (Lindy) Dolezen of Benton Harbor, Donna (Jim) Strouse of St. Joseph, Dana (Chris) Nosich of Sister Lakes, Peter (Natalie Contreras) Molter of Hartford. 16 Grandchildren, 7 Great Grandchildren as well as her sister Elaine Briar of West Olive.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Mary Ann Sedlin of Chicago, Brother-in-law George Briar, Son-in-law Ken Wuerfel, Granddaughter Katie Martin, Grandson Bret Hawblitzel and Great granddaughter Lucille DeYoung.
Visitation will be 5pm-7pm Friday January 20th at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home in Coloma. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am on Saturday January 21st at St. Basil Catholic Church, 513 Monroe Blvd, South Haven with internment immediately following at Coloma Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Basil Catholic School, 94 Superior St., South Haven, MI. https://saintbasilcatholic.com/donate
VISITATION WITH ROSARY
Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home
Friday, January 20, 2023
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
6548 Paw Paw Avenue
Coloma, MI 49038
Rosary will begin at 7:00 P.M.
DIRECTIONS
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
St. Basil Catholic Church
Saturday, January 21, 2023
11:00 AM
Email Details
513 Monroe Blvd.
South Haven, MI 49090
Burial will follow in Coloma Cemetery
Posted On: Tuesday, January 17, 2023 3:22 PM
