Hildegard Dittrich Cziep

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, and 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. They bought a home on 15th Street where Hilde lived for more than 60 years. She passed the US citizenship test and was granted US citizenship on October 25, 1963.

Hildegard 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 the “shake lady,” and she also served up shakes during lunch break.

A dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Hilda served 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. Hosting countless family gatherings, cooking, sewing, knitting, and crocheting. 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, and showing them how to cook were favorite activities as they grew under her care.

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

She is survived by her daughter, Dorothea (Dale) Hallock; her son, Wilford “Will” (Kelly) Cziep; 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.