Hildegarde Thering was born on January 2, 1904, to Joseph Thering and Elizabeth Hutter. She was their ninth and last child. Hildegarde was baptized on January 10, 1904, at St. Luke Catholic Church in Plain, Wisconsin. She attended St. Luke Catholic Elementary School and graduated in 1923. She was pictured in the 1931 St. Luke's yearbook, The Chimes with the Class of 1923. There were only two students, and unfortunately, the names of Hildegarde and classmate Alma Nachreiner were not listed in correct order. The photo above was taken for her 1923 class photo and is similar to the photo that appeared in The Chimes.
Hildegarde worked at the bank in Plain before 1941. From February 15, 1941 to 1973, she worked at the post office at Plain and was Postmaster.
In May 1957, she went on a European tour with a group of Wisconsin people, and the tour included pilgrimages to Rome, Fatima, and Lourdes. In August 1959, she traveled by airline to Lima, Peru.
From her obituary, "One of St. Luke's High School's first graduates, Hildegarde continued her education in many fields, especially art, music, travel, and writing. Many citizens of Plain owe their education in music to Hildegarde. In celebration of St. Luke's 125th anniversary, Hildegarde Thering wrote "A History of Plain, Wisconsin." This history has been recognized by many authorities, but especially by libraries around the country. She was active in her work for the poor and the needy throughout the Catholic Mission World, until a few months before her death."
Hildegarde died at age 84 on December 6, 1988, at Pine Valley Manor Nursing Home in Richland Center, Wisconsin. She was buried on December 10, 1988, at the new St. Luke Catholic Cemetery in Plain.
A History of Plain, Wisconsin
In Hildegarde's 1982 book, A History of Plain, Wisconsin, she wrote: "I have attempted to give a clear and accurate history of this area, but I realize that it is not complete. Many sources of material were inadequate and may have led to errors. Not everyone will be interested in this history even though I have drawn upon as many resources as possible. Several times I thought that I had finished with a topic only to discover later that some other person had different recollections of the same incidents. I would like to acknowledge my appreciation to those who have shared reminiscences with me and also to thank those people who have provided me with the pictures found in this book."
Hildegarde wrote her research in numerous notebooks. These notebooks have been digitized.
In 2023, there was still much interest in her book with people wanting to purchase a copy. The Old Franklin Township Historical Society published 100 additional copies. The book can be purchased by going to the Merchandise tab where there is an order form. Note there is also an index book that can be purchased.
Hildegarde worked at the bank in Plain before 1941. From February 15, 1941 to 1973, she worked at the post office at Plain and was Postmaster.
In May 1957, she went on a European tour with a group of Wisconsin people, and the tour included pilgrimages to Rome, Fatima, and Lourdes. In August 1959, she traveled by airline to Lima, Peru.
From her obituary, "One of St. Luke's High School's first graduates, Hildegarde continued her education in many fields, especially art, music, travel, and writing. Many citizens of Plain owe their education in music to Hildegarde. In celebration of St. Luke's 125th anniversary, Hildegarde Thering wrote "A History of Plain, Wisconsin." This history has been recognized by many authorities, but especially by libraries around the country. She was active in her work for the poor and the needy throughout the Catholic Mission World, until a few months before her death."
Hildegarde died at age 84 on December 6, 1988, at Pine Valley Manor Nursing Home in Richland Center, Wisconsin. She was buried on December 10, 1988, at the new St. Luke Catholic Cemetery in Plain.
A History of Plain, Wisconsin
In Hildegarde's 1982 book, A History of Plain, Wisconsin, she wrote: "I have attempted to give a clear and accurate history of this area, but I realize that it is not complete. Many sources of material were inadequate and may have led to errors. Not everyone will be interested in this history even though I have drawn upon as many resources as possible. Several times I thought that I had finished with a topic only to discover later that some other person had different recollections of the same incidents. I would like to acknowledge my appreciation to those who have shared reminiscences with me and also to thank those people who have provided me with the pictures found in this book."
Hildegarde wrote her research in numerous notebooks. These notebooks have been digitized.
In 2023, there was still much interest in her book with people wanting to purchase a copy. The Old Franklin Township Historical Society published 100 additional copies. The book can be purchased by going to the Merchandise tab where there is an order form. Note there is also an index book that can be purchased.