July 17, 2018

Linn County News

Published July 18, 2018

Hilma Dolores (Switzer) Ungeheuer passed away on July 13, 2018, at Fort Scott Medicalodge; she was 96. Hilma was born in rural Mound City on July 30, 1921, the oldest daughter of Harry and Ruby (Stites) Switzer. Hilma grew up with her sister Betty and lived her entire life in Linn County.

Her early education was spent in the one-room schoolhouse, District No. 9, which is now part of the historical museum on Main Street in Mound City. She graduated from Mound City High School in 1938. 

Hilma married Donald Ungeheuer on Sept. 10, 1939, and they had four children: Colleen, David, Dillard and Beth. 

Hilma was a very active, energetic person and was widely known in the community through her and Donald’s many years of farming and 4-H. Hilma and Donald were very proud that all four of their children graduated from Kansas State University. Together, they were even more proud to have 10 grandchildren. Donald and Hilma were a wonderful team, and she dearly loved the old rock house that was their family homestead in Centerville. Hilma was a tireless volunteer in many organizations. She loved music and was a talented singer and pianist. Hilma was a skilled seamstress and spent countless hours in her sewing room making dresses and costumes for her children and grandchildren. She also taught sewing to grandkids and others. She loved gardening, baking pies, mowing her lawn, and she was a member of the Blue Mound Federated Church. She greatly loved politics and elections and worked on many local and state campaigns and government committees.

Hilma is preceded in death by her beloved husband Donald, Aug. 17, 1991; her daughter, Colleen Cayton; her daughter-in-law, Brenda Ungeheuer; and her sister, Betty Thompson.

She is survived by her son-in-law Ruffin Maddox, of Arlington, Va.; and David Ungeheuer, Dillard and Charleta Ungeheuer, and Beth and Lee Wilson, all of Centerville. Hilma leaves behind 10 grandchildren, two step grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. Hilma is also survived by a close cousin, Lee Fisher, of Denver, Colo. 

A celebration of Hilma’s life will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 24, 2018, at the Blue Mound Federated Church. Burial will be in the Wesley Chapel Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 5-6 p.m. Monday, July 23, at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Mound City Chapel.  

The family suggests contributions to Blue Mound Federated Church. Online condolences for the family can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.