MADISON - Hildegard “Hilde” (Geiger) Reschke, 85, formerly of Appleton and Fond du Lac, passed away on January 3, 2021. Hilde died peacefully at home, cared for by her devoted daughter and with her loving husband at her side.

Hilde was born January 29, 1935, in Auerkiel, Germany, to Wolfgang and Franziska (Loibl) Geiger. She met Herman J. Reschke while he has stationed with the US Army in Furth, Germany, where Hilde was working. They were married in Furth on May 19, 1956. Shortly afterward, they relocated to Herman’s hometown of Fond du Lac and later moved to Appleton when Herman got a job teaching at Freedom High School. They raised three children and were longtime members of St. Pius X Catholic Church. After retirement, they moved to Madison and were members of St. Peter Catholic Church.

In addition to being a loving wife, mother, and “Oma” to her grandchildren, Hilde enjoyed a retail career for over two decades in Appleton, working first at Gimbels and later at Marshall Field’s, Dayton’s, and Macy’s. She also cherished several family dogs and loved all animals, and she enjoyed taking walks in the city and in nature, playing golf, cross-country skiing, traveling to Germany to visit her family, spending time with grandchildren, listening to German folk and classical music, and playing cards with friends.

Hilde is preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Franziska (“Fanny”), Maria (“Marl”), Theresa (“Thea”), and Katherine (“Kathe”); brothers Michael (“Mick”), Karl, and Wolfgang (“Gang”); and other relatives, in-laws, and friends.

She is survived by her husband of over 64 years, Herman, and her children: Lance (Sheila), Minnetonka, MN; Mark, Chicago, IL; and Sonja, Madison. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jenny (Chris LeGrand), Katrina, Andrew, and Fernando; other relatives and in-laws, including nieces Nancy Hintz and Maria Katzenmüller; and friends, including Diane Colombe, Margot Elisius, and Marcia Trentledge.

The family is grateful to the staff at Agrace Hospice and Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge for compassionate care.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private service will be held. Interment will be at Estabrooks Cemetery in Fond du Lac. A memorial and celebration of life may be planned at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://alz.org) or the Oakwood Foundation (https://www.oakwoodvillage.net/support).

Liebe Mutter, wir werden dich vermissen.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Ave

608-249-8257

Hildegard Reschke

January 29, 1935 - January 03, 2021

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