Hildegard Dora Waldraff, 82, of Inverness, FL, passed away November 20, 2015, at Citrus Memorial Hospital in Inverness. Hildegard was born on May 19, 1933, in the village of Dietlingen, Germany, the youngest child to Christian and Dorothea Kirn.
She immigrated to North America as a watchmaker, settling in Elkhart, Indiana, and raising a family as a homemaker. Hildegard was an outstanding cook and an expert baker; she spoiled her adoring family with world class German cuisine, traditional breads, cakes and tortes, always serving them with a smile.
Growing up during the Great Depression, the second world war, and the post world war recovery, Hildegard used these experiences to teach her children and friends about spirituality, character and perseverance. As the family historian, she taught us all a great deal about our colorful ancestors in the Black Forest of Germany. She was also a fierce patriot of her adopted U.S.A. Hildegard was a nature lover, and she could identify nearly any plant or animal in Europe or North America. She was an accomplished golfer and a pretty good skier. Hildegard enjoyed nature walks, reading, music, dancing, gardening, spending time with her family and sharing a joke. Hildegard was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church and the Inverness Golf and Country Club.
She is survived by her daughter Cindy Waldraff of Tampa, Florida; her son Chris Waldraff and wife Heather Waldraff of Grand Rapids, Michigan; and by her granddaughters Charlotte Waldraff and Susanna Waldraff of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 28, 2015 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church with Father Tim Cummings, Celebrant. Urn placement will take place at Florida National Cemetery at a later date. The Chas E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.
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