Hilda Mae Stehr

Hilda Mae Knerr Stehr March 29, 1917 – March 20, 2016 Hilda Mae (Knerr) Stehr, of Pitman, PA, Philadelphia, PA, Hatboro, PA, Chalfont, PA and most recently of Lansdale, PA passed away on March 20, 2016, one week shy of her 99th birthday. She was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Earl Henry Stehr; her parents Claude and Mazie Knerr; siblings: James “Marvin”, Albert, Helen, John, Alma, Charles, and Larry as well as 2 grandchildren, Brian and Angela. Hilda is survived by two of her sisters: Ida Kramer and Merle Hipple of Middletown, PA. As well as all five of her children: Albert Stehr of Pitman, PA; Donald Stehr of Sulphur, OK; Joan Cimino of Coopersburg, PA; Ruth Whitham of Quakertown, PA; and Marilyn Casale, of Lansdale, PA. Hilda, or “Gram,” was adored by 16 grandchildren and by great and great-great grandchildren; and pretty much any child that met her. A devout Christian, Hilda lived a long and storied life. Born in Pitman, PA in 1917, Hilda had to grow up fast to help out on her family’s farm and to play second mom to her siblings. She heralded her family through the depression and plenty of other challenges. During the World War II effort, Hilda did her part, working on a missile assembly line at the Budd Company in Philadelphia. She lovingly nursed her husband Earl who had struggled with Black Lung disease during his latter years. Hilda is best remembered not only for her love of children – her face always lit up around little ones, but also her amazing talents in the garden and in the kitchen. She loved her flowers and plants. Her shelves were always full of canned goods and there were always fresh pies and cakes greeting guests as they entered her home. In her hometown of Pitman, her famous Dutch Cake and Raisin Bread were often bartered for services rendered, such as new window installation. Loving cooking for her family and strangers alike, she did not believe in anyone leaving hungry – to the contrary, more than a few folks left her dinner table wishing they were wearing a size bigger. Hilda had a softer spot than most for children. Her heart broke so at the scenes and stories of children going hungry, that she always squirreled away money to send to various children’s rescue missions. Hilda spent her final years being taken care of by the kind staff at Gwynedd Square Nursing Home in Lansdale, PA where she befriended both the staff and residents and was loved and will be missed. Hilda’s family and friends will sadly miss her, but they take solace in the fact that she is now home with the Lord and been reunited with her husband Earl. Her love, compassion, hospitality, generosity, and faith are far-reaching, inspiring many for years to come. A Viewing and Funeral Service was held on Saturday, March 26 from 12:30pm to 2:00pm at the Hepler’s Church of God in Pitman, PA, followed by a graveside service at the cemetery behind the Church. A lunch and celebration of Hilda’s life will follow at the Mahantongo Fire Company in Pitman, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Church.

Hilda Mae Stehr

March 29, 1917 - March 20, 2016