Tilpher Bilden 1913-2005

HANSEN, BILDEN, LARSON, TRUDO, BOWEN, COEN, KNIGHT, RUSS, LOFTSGARD

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 6/10/2005 at 21:16:52

Tilpher Bilden

Tilpher Kenneth Bilden, 92, of Elgin, died Monday, May 30, 2005, at the Postville Good Samaritan Home, following a long illness. He was born May 1, 1913, at his family homestead in rural Marion Township, the son of Hans and Helga (Hansen) Bilden. He was baptized and confirmed at East Clermont Lutheran Church. He attended the Elgin schools.

He was united in marriage to Deloris Larson, Elkader on March 20, 1943. Eight children were born to this union. Tilpher was a lifetime farmer until he retired and moved into his present Elgin home in 1988.

Survivors include his children, Ruthie (Jerry) Trudo of Cedar Rapids, Elizabeth (Mike) Bowen of Cedar Rapids, Erling (Mary) Bilden of rural Elgin, Brenda (Dave) Coen of North Carolina, Debra (Noel) Knight of Elgin and James (Joyce) Bilden of rural Elgin; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Deloris on February 28, 1989, a son, Harlan, who died in 1967, serving in the Vietnam War, a daughter, Marian Russ in 2001, two sisters, one who died at birth and Josephine Loftsgard and a brother, Hildor Bilden.

Tilpher will be missed by his children, family members and friends. He was a kind, loving, outgoing man, who lived life in a positive way.

Funeral services were held at on Thursday, June 2, 2005, at East Clermont Lutheran Church, rural Clermont, with Rev. Jerome Godson and Rev. Helen Beth Kuhens officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Honorary Bearers: Albert Hanson, Harold Hanson, Enoch Hanson, Steven McNulty, Leon Jacobs, Brad Loftsgard, Warren Baker, Harold Halverson and Norris Capper.

Casket Bearers: Erika Bilden, Hans Bilden, Ryan Bilden, Steven Bilden, Andrew Bowen and Brent Trudo. The organist was Lois Dummermuth and soloist was Clarence Amundson.

A memorial fund has been established for the computer fund at East Clermont Lutheran Church.

Postville Herald-Leader, Thursday, June 9, 2005