1921
Hilda
2008
Hilda McCormick
December 20, 1921 — December 30, 2008
Hilda E. McCormick, 87, Ortonville died Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at Northridge Residence. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, January 5, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ortonville. A visitation will be held on Sunday evening, January 4th from 6:00 -8:00 p.m. at Larson’s Funeral Home in Ortonville. Burial will be held at a later date, in the Mound Cemetery in Ortonville.
Hilda Elsie (Hartmann) McCormick was born on a pioneer farm just east of Hebron, North Dakota on December 20, 1921 to parents Henry and Mary Hartmann. Hilda’s formative years framed her great love for gardens, flowers, and the beauty of nature, along with the importance of hard work. After she graduated from high school in Hebron, Hilda left the farm in the fall of 1941 and went to Calhoun Business College in Minneapolis. Following graduation, she worked at the Cargill Shipyards during World War II and later moved to work at the Federal Reserve Bank in Minneapolis. While living in Minneapolis, she met Warren F. “Cy” McCormick at a dance, and according to the story, it was love at first sight. She and Cy were married in Bismarck, North Dakota at St. Mary’s Cathedral on August 24, 1943.
In December of 1944 the couple was blessed with their first of four children—Sharon Ann. In June of 1946 Michael James was born. They continued to live and work in Minneapolis until 1951, when they moved to Watertown, South Dakota where Cy started his radio career at KWAT. At KWAT, Cy and Hilda met Don Egert and Dick Schultz, and from those beginnings they pursued their dreams of owning their own radio station. In July, 1956 that dream became a reality and they started KDIO radio in Ortonville. As Cy assumed the role of general manager and main sales person, Hilda did the bookkeeping for more than 20-years. In March of 1957, Patrick Bryan was born in Ortonville and on Valentine’s Day in 1966 the last of their children Mary Kay was born, also in Ortonville.
Hilda was an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Ortonville. She sang in the choir for many years, was on circles and enjoyed the Bowl of Love program. She had many friends and enjoyed her bridge and birthday club friendships. Hilda took pride in having a home that was a welcome—gathering spot for friends and relatives, making people feel at home and the coffee was always on. Many nights were spent on the patio at 546 North Minnesota St. with Cy telling stories and jokes and Hilda rolling her eyes because she had heard them all many times before. Hilda loved her yard, garden and flowers, and also enjoyed a number of hobbies like ceramics, quilting, baking, and travel.
Hilda was a strong yet gentle woman. She deeply understood the importance of faith, family, sacrifice and a belief in the future. When asked a few years ago how she wanted to be remembered, she wrote, “for my faith in God, love for my family and my friends. I took my vows seriously and loved my husband, enjoyed working outdoors in my garden and with my flowers.” Close friends once wrote, “Hilda and Cy” left us with so many good times, conversations, laughs, and meals with them. Very few times does that spirit get duplicated. They were one in a million for welcoming—and their welcome and hospitality never changed even after they left their home and moved to Fairway View.”
Hilda is survived by her children, Sharon Gentzler of Casper, WY, Mike and Barb McCormick of Jamestown, ND, Pat and Debbie McCormick of Sammamish, WA, and Mary McCormick of Minneapolis MN, seven wonderful grandchildren and five very special great-grandchildren. She is also survived by four sisters—Anne, Martha, Frieda, and Viola, and one brother Erwin; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Hilda Elsie (Hartmann) McCormick was born on a pioneer farm just east of Hebron, North Dakota on December 20, 1921 to parents Henry and Mary Hartmann. Hilda’s formative years framed her great love for gardens, flowers, and the beauty of nature, along with the importance of hard work. After she graduated from high school in Hebron, Hilda left the farm in the fall of 1941 and went to Calhoun Business College in Minneapolis. Following graduation, she worked at the Cargill Shipyards during World War II and later moved to work at the Federal Reserve Bank in Minneapolis. While living in Minneapolis, she met Warren F. “Cy” McCormick at a dance, and according to the story, it was love at first sight. She and Cy were married in Bismarck, North Dakota at St. Mary’s Cathedral on August 24, 1943.
In December of 1944 the couple was blessed with their first of four children—Sharon Ann. In June of 1946 Michael James was born. They continued to live and work in Minneapolis until 1951, when they moved to Watertown, South Dakota where Cy started his radio career at KWAT. At KWAT, Cy and Hilda met Don Egert and Dick Schultz, and from those beginnings they pursued their dreams of owning their own radio station. In July, 1956 that dream became a reality and they started KDIO radio in Ortonville. As Cy assumed the role of general manager and main sales person, Hilda did the bookkeeping for more than 20-years. In March of 1957, Patrick Bryan was born in Ortonville and on Valentine’s Day in 1966 the last of their children Mary Kay was born, also in Ortonville.
Hilda was an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Ortonville. She sang in the choir for many years, was on circles and enjoyed the Bowl of Love program. She had many friends and enjoyed her bridge and birthday club friendships. Hilda took pride in having a home that was a welcome—gathering spot for friends and relatives, making people feel at home and the coffee was always on. Many nights were spent on the patio at 546 North Minnesota St. with Cy telling stories and jokes and Hilda rolling her eyes because she had heard them all many times before. Hilda loved her yard, garden and flowers, and also enjoyed a number of hobbies like ceramics, quilting, baking, and travel.
Hilda was a strong yet gentle woman. She deeply understood the importance of faith, family, sacrifice and a belief in the future. When asked a few years ago how she wanted to be remembered, she wrote, “for my faith in God, love for my family and my friends. I took my vows seriously and loved my husband, enjoyed working outdoors in my garden and with my flowers.” Close friends once wrote, “Hilda and Cy” left us with so many good times, conversations, laughs, and meals with them. Very few times does that spirit get duplicated. They were one in a million for welcoming—and their welcome and hospitality never changed even after they left their home and moved to Fairway View.”
Hilda is survived by her children, Sharon Gentzler of Casper, WY, Mike and Barb McCormick of Jamestown, ND, Pat and Debbie McCormick of Sammamish, WA, and Mary McCormick of Minneapolis MN, seven wonderful grandchildren and five very special great-grandchildren. She is also survived by four sisters—Anne, Martha, Frieda, and Viola, and one brother Erwin; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.