Hildegard McCaulley died July 9, 2011, in Crescent City, Calif.  

Hilda was born on May 27, 1926, in Frankfort (Oder), Germany, to Paul and Marie (Adamcefski) Vetter. 

After suffering many hardships at the close of World War II, Hilda met Gerald (Mike) McCaulley in 1956, in France. They were married the following year. 

Hilda followed Mike throughout his U.S. Air Force career, caring for the house and children (Thomas and Martina) and cooking great German meals.  

After years of moving across the U.S. and Europe, they settled in the Northwest.

Following Mike’s retirement from the military, Hilda and Mike owned and operated a small motel on White Pass, in Washington state, which catered to hunters. Always eager to share hospitality and a good story, Hilda made the motel guests at home. 

Finally, Mike and Hilda settled in Brookings, where they lived out their remaining years, enjoying garage sales, gardening, and raising birds.

 After Mike died on June 13, 2011, Hilda’s health deteriorated suddenly. On July 9, 2011, Hilda followed Mike in death after a brief illness. 

Hilda’s funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday July  28, at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Camas, Wash.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.redwoodmemorial.net.

Submitted by Redwood Memorial Chapel.