Hildegard Dittrich Cziep returned to her Father in Heaven on December 3, 2025. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, at Lily and Syringa Assisted Living Home at the age of 98.

She was born in Ampflwang, Austria, on April 13, 1927, to Franz Xaver Dittrich and Maria Gaigg. She grew up in the Upper Austrian countryside. She lived through the Great Depression and World War II. On June 18, 1950, she married the love of her life, Josef Wilford Cziep, in Frankenburg. They moved to Huasmanstaetten near Graz, Austria, and built a home. In March 1956, they traveled to Switzerland to be sealed in the temple.

In 1958, Hildegard emigrated to the United States with her family and settled in Idaho Falls, Idaho. They bought a home on 15th Street, where Hilda lived for more than 60 years. She passed the US citizenship test and was granted US citizenship on October 25, 1963.

Hildegard lived a life of service to others. She embraced everyone she met; if she knew you, you were hers. She made sure everyone felt loved, appreciated, and supported.

She worked in the Idaho Falls High School cafeteria for 30 years before retiring. She was known for her delicious cinnamon rolls and peanut butter bars. Most students knew her as “shake lady” because she also served up shakes during the lunch break.

Hildegard was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served faithfully in many church callings during her lifetime, including as a Primary worker and as a chorister, where she was able to share her love of music with others. She volunteered as a temple worker and would walk to the temple weekly. She proudly supported several missionaries, including her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She loved and served her family in any way she could. She kept a simple and unmaterialistic home where she hosted countless family gatherings. Every shelf and wall was adorned with children’s art. Most of all, she loved caring for the many children who came into her home. She was always eager to watch her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Playing games, teaching them piano, showing them how to cook, and just having fun were favorite activities as they grew under her care. She tried her best to be a part of the milestones in their lives. She also used her hobbies: cooking, sewing, knitting, and crocheting to bless others.

Hildegard maintained her love for her homeland and shared it with her family. Carrying on many Austrian traditions and taking several trips home with her family. She also enjoyed trips to Colorado, Oregon, and even Fiji.

She had a powerful testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and lived her life to the fullest as His disciple. She was a light and an example for us all.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Josef Cziep; son, Gerfried “Gary” Cziep; grandson, Andrew Cziep; her parents; and her siblings.

She is survived by her sister, Margaretha Dittrich Schauperl; her daughter, Dorothea (Dale) Hallock; her son, Wilford “Wil” (Kelly) Cziep; her daughter-in-law, Lorraine Cziep; eleven grandchildren, twenty-nine great-grandchildren, and ten great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the mortuary. Interment will be in Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.coltrinmortuary.com.