Hildegarde E. "Hilde" Foster, 77, of Eau Claire, passed away Wednesday, December 12, 2007, at Luther Hospital with her family by her side.\r\nShe was born in Stetsonville, WI on May 4, 1930, the daughter of August and Henrietta (Hackl) Ziegenbein. Hilde graduated from Eau Claire Senior High School in 1948.\r\nOn June 20, 1953, Hilde married Willis A. "Lefty" Foster at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Eau Claire.\r\nHilde was a twenty-five year volunteer at Sacred Heart Hospital and also owned Dust Bowl Ceramic Studios, which she operated out of her home for fifteen years. She was a long time member of Immaculate Conception Parish as well as the Immaculata Society. Hilde was a member of Lady Elks Auxiliary for many years.\r\nShe was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Hilde and Lefty enjoyed dancing, boating, and spending time with family and friends. Among her hobbies, were making and collecting dolls along with her ceramics.\r\nHilde is survived by her husband of 54 years, Lefty; three daughters, Peggy Foster of Eau Claire, Debra Foster of Eau Claire, and Jane (David) Henderson of Brooklyn Park, MN; and a son, Mark (Denise) Foster of Eau Claire; six grandchildren, Justin, Nick, Kyle, Ben, Matthew, and Lisa; a sister, Hertha Leland of Tucson, AZ; a brother, H.K. "Zeke" (Leona) Ziegenbein of Eau Claire; and by many nieces and nephews. \r\nShe was preceded in death by her son, Terry; her parents; and by a sister, Irma Duffy.\r\nMass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 18, 2007, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father Edmund Klimek celebrating the Mass. Inurnment will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery Columbarium, Eau Claire. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to Mass on Tuesday at church. There will be a public prayer vigil service at 5 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.\r\nMemorials are preferred to the Volunteer Partners of Sacred Heart Hospital, 900 West Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701 or a charity of the donor's choice.\r\n \r\n

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