Hilda June (Bollish) Andersen Obituary (1930 - 2024)

Hilda June Andersen, 93 years of age, passed February 17th, 2024. Born November 24th, 1930, from her first to last days, Hilda maintained her grace, compassion, appreciation of beauty, love of family and expressed her gratitude for her long life full of rich experiences. Hilda is survived by three children: Stephanie LaMascus, Merrell Andersen Jr., and Tamara Unterseher along with eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Deloris Craig and Leona Martins. Hilda was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 72 years, Merrell L. (Bud) Andersen, who passed on September 9, 2023, as well as her sisters; Ione, Theda, and Bernadine and brothers; Joe, Alvin, Vern, and Marvin. Hilda was the sixth child (of ten) of Wilson and Pearl Bollish. She was born and raised on a farm near Wellfleet, Nebraska. She had a happy and full childhood with her extended family and was very proud of her family’s pioneering spirit and her farming background. She had many wonderful childhood stories of her time spent at her home working with her mother, her exploration of the beautiful Medicine Creek valley, the music her father would share with her, the celebrations at home with her large family and groups of friends and her memories of countless aunts and uncles and other relatives who influenced her. After high school, Hilda pursued her teaching certificate and taught for 2 years in a rural schoolhouse near Moorefield, Nebraska. At a dance in her hometown, she met Bud soon after he returned from WWII service and they engaged in a long romance which led to their marriage on December 10th, 1950, in Curtis, Nebraska. After marriage, they built their family together while balancing full-time farming and Bud’s pursuit of his law degree in Omaha. In 1957 their adventure continued as they left their Nebraska roots and families and moved to Anchorage, Alaska where Hilda nurtured her young family while Bud served as US attorney during the time Alaska became a state. Stephanie was born in North Platte, Merrell in Omaha, and Tamara in Anchorage. In 1960, Hilda moved her family to Beatrice, Nebraska where Bud served as Gage County Attorney for a time and later opened private practice. They put down their roots and Hilda flourished in the community. Hilda was involved in a multitude of community activities throughout her life. She was a studied, practiced, natural born leader; a never-ending fountain of energy and inspiration. Included in her community service; and in keeping with her personal interests and commitments, Hilda was an active member in the Centenary United Methodist Church, the Republican Party where she led at local and state level, and an unwavering worker in the Bargain Box organization. Hilda was a founding member of the Beatrice Community Players in 1975. She first became interested in theatre while helping her children in their school productions. Hilda saw the value of live theatre and what it would bring to the community, not only for participants but for audiences too, and she worked to establish and maintain the theatre with a devoted passion. Hilda was active in coordinating the First-Nighters Group to provide financial stability for the theatre, as well as hosting dinners, teas, and other fund-raising activities. She enjoyed hands-on work with the plays and her sewing skill fit naturally into serving as Costume Crew Chief for several productions. Two of her favorite creations were a 1880s Victorian Gown (with endless pleats and lace) for “Angel Street” and a set of Biblical-Era costumes for “Two by Two”. Her infectious zeal for theatre continued to grow over the decades and spilled over into her travels. She loved trips to New York and London to see as many shows as she could fit into her schedule. She was a master level seamstress, she “tatted,” crocheted, embroidered, and cross-stitched and grew to love expressing herself in quilting. For many years, Hilda was never without her “quilt works bag” whether at home and or in her various travels while she worked on her latest creation. These quilts (over 100) are remarkable in their diversity and in the quality of workmanship. They are precious treasures to cuddle up with as well as magical works of art. Hilda loved to travel, and especially after Bud’s retirement, they devoted themselves to travel adventure. They were gone weeks and months at a time. She enjoyed the planning and adventures as fervently as the other activities in her life. Among her adventures were flying on the supersonic airliner Concord (“because I want to know what it feels like to break the sound barrier”) and sailing the Atlantic on the Queen Elizebeth II. They made numerous visits to Europe where they took in the history and pursued evidence of their family trees. They explored practically every nook of the United States on their extensive car trips. They were bold travelers, once driving themselves to the South of Mexico and on another excursion, a very exciting and memorable car trip into the back country of Spain. Through all, Hilda was always devoted to all her family, her husband, her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, as well as her parents, sisters, brothers, and all or their children. All were in her circle and Hilda loved with her full being and made everyone feel special. When asked what she wanted for her children, she replied, “happiness and to be productive members of the community.” Hilda was a force of nature and lived a rich life full of love, dedication, and service. She is beloved and her bright candle will remain glowing within those who knew her. A private family Celebration of Life service will be held at Good Samaritan Center in Beatrice, and private inurnment will take place at Evergreen Home Cemetery. Please visit Hilda’s memorial page to leave memories, share stories, and upload photos at www.ghchapel.com as a tribute to her remarkable life. These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.