Twilla A. Hilde, 92, Ada, MN, formerly of Borup, MN, died on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the Benedictine Care Community in Ada.
Twilla was born on February 7, 1933, in Winchester Township, north of Borup, the only child of Arthur and Tena (nee Hoven) Monson. She was baptized and confirmed at Winchester Lutheran Church in Borup. She grew up on the family farm attending McKinley Country School and graduated from Borup High School in 1951. She received her teaching degree from Moorhead State Teachers College where she belonged to a sorority and sang in the mixed choir.
Twilla married her high school sweetheart, Ernest Hilde, in Borup on April 6, 1955. The couple moved to Hood River, OR, where Twilla taught school until the birth of her children, NorDeen (DeeDe), Charlene, and Julie. They returned to the Monson family farm in 1962, where their daughter, Stacey and son, Larry were born. Ernest was a lifelong farmer, with support from Twilla – who could drive truck during harvest, feed the harvest crew, and harvest her garden – sometimes all in the same day! Twilla was an at home mom until the children got older when she then returned to teaching in Borup and later, in Ada.
Twilla was an active member of the Borup community. She also taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, was a member of the LWML (Lutheran Women Missionary League), not to mention working in the kitchen for numerous events at Zion Lutheran Church in Ada. Service to others was essential to her soul, but Twilla is perhaps best remembered for her beautiful singing voice which she shared with her family, church, and community. She was a member of the choral group “The Inspirations” for a number of years. She was also a talented seamstress and quilter, she enjoyed gardening, especially her flowers, was a wonderful cook and hostess, and an avid reader of books.
Twilla’s family was blessed with her love and support, and she enjoyed attending the events her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were involved in. She is survived by her children, NorDeen (Steven) Grieve of Gary, MN, Charlene (Charles Boit) Ludwig of Marana, AZ, Julie (Ray) Massar of St. Peters, MO, Stacey (Curtis) Riemer of Hillsboro, ND, and Larry (Nola) Hilde of Borup, MN; 17 grandchildren, Angela (Eric) Larson, Paula Urness, Eric Grieve, Tiffany (Bill) Bosaaen, Sarah (Craig) Geisler, Sally Ludwig, Sonny (Bryon) Thompson, Cody (Melissa) Massar, Ian (Paige) Fay, Eli (Jada) Massar, Austin Massar, Dale (Marie) Riemer, Gust Riemer, Jeran (Caio) Hilde, Kade (Shawn Kilen) Hilde, Bronson (Courtney Mosloski) Hilde, and Tianna (Joe) McKeever; and 18 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Waldo Hilde of Moorhead, MN; sister-in-law, Earleen Hilde of Blanco, NM; nieces and nephews; dear cousins and extended family; and last but not least, her beloved cat, Henry.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest; granddaughter, Elissa Riemer; brothers-in-law, Harvey and Bernie Hilde; and sisters-in-law, Linda, Norma, and Corrine Hilde.
Funeral Service: 2:00 PM, Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church, Ada, MN.
Visitation: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Friday, January 9, 2026 at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, Ada, MN with a prayer service to begin at 6:30 PM.
Interment: Winchester Lutheran Cemetery, Borup, MN.
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