Hilda F. Niekamp, age 95, of New Bremen, passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2022 at 9:45 P.M. at her residence outside of New Bremen.

She was born on November 3, 1926 in Fort Recovery, Ohio, the daughter of the late Clement R. and Teresa M. (Rammel) Eckstein. She was baptized into Christ on November 6, 1926. On November 27, 1947 she married Cletus B. Niekamp who preceded her in death on June 20, 2015.

Surviving are her children: Bob (Rita) Niekamp and Donna Pape, both of New Bremen, Lois (Tim) McKibans of Johns Creek, GA, Susie (Jeff) McCollum, Joe (Caryn) Niekamp, and Rick (Sue) Niekamp all of New Bremen; a daughter in-law Elaine (Todd) Meineke of Villa Hills, KY, nineteen grandchildren, forty-four great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Also left to cherish her memory are her siblings: Eugene (Joan) Eckstein of Coldwater, Irene Mowen of Coldwater, and Teresa (Bill) Bowersock of Spencerville.

Along with her husband and parents, Hilda was preceded in death by two children Barbara Meiring and David Niekamp, a grandson Patrick Meiring, a son in-law Jim Pape, and her siblings: Lee, Herman, Clarence, and Clem Eckstein, Cleopha Brunswick, Margaret Benanzer, and Imelda Keller.

Hilda and Cletus were charter members of the Church of the Holy Redeemer in New Bremen where Hilda served the church community as a Sacristan and Eucharistic Minister at mass and to the homebound. She had also been active in the alter society, made baptismal cloths, mended vestments, and served on the funeral luncheon committee. Hilda was engaged in farming with Cletus and she took care of the household while raising their children. She found great joy in giving of her talents to others. Over the years, she made hundreds of handmade quilts, blankets, and pillows, each one made with love and gifted to loved ones.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 10:30 A.M. at the Church of the Holy Redeemer in New Bremen with Rev. Fr. Thomas Dorn and Deacon Mr. Greg Bornhorst officiating. Interment will follow in the German Protestant Cemetery of New Bremen.

Calling Hours will be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 from 3:00 until 7:00 P.M. at the Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen, and also from 9:30 until 10:30 A.M. at the church on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial contributions in memory of Hilda can be made to the Grand Lake Hospice, New Bremen Emergency Squad, Holy Redeemer Memorial Fund, or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The Niekamp family is being assisted by the Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen, and online condolences to the family may be left at www.gilberghartwigfh.com.