Hilda Ahlers

Hilda Ahlers, 88, Jamestown, ND died Tuesday October 11, 2005 at the Hi-Acres Manor in Jamestown, ND.
Hilda Wegenke was born November 17, 1916 at the family farm South of Eldridge, ND the daughter of William Wegenke, Jr. and Clara (Schroeder) Wegenke. She received her elementary education in the local rural school and graduated from Eldridge High School. She worked at the hospital in Baker, MT and later at a hospital in Rochester, MN.

She and Harold Heasley were married September 13, 1938 at Jamestown, ND. They made their home near Sydney, ND. She later moved to Seattle, WA where she did housework. On April 6, 1946 she married Bill Clemens and they made their home on a farm near Eldridge, later moving to Jamestown. She and Al Ahlers were married June 18, 1951 and made their home in Jamestown, they moved to a farm South of Eldridge where they farmed until 1979. She then moved back to Jamestown. She did volunteer work for many years and was very active in the Victims of Family and Friends and the Safe Shelter.
After the violent deaths of her daughter and granddaughter, in the state of Washington, Hilda became an advocate for Victims Rights. Because of her perseverance and conviction, her probing questions led to the first ever Victim Witness Notification Program, which was started in Washington State. Most states adopted this model and are using it today. Hilda's dedication led to a rippling effect that has been felt throughout the nation.
She entered Rock of Ages in September of 1999 and Roseadele in March of 2001 and then she entered Hi-Acres Manor in 2003.
She was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church and the V.F.W. auxiliary in Jamestown, ND.
Hilda devoted her time to sewing projects for the nursing homes and church, she also focused on the needs of others. She loved to watch her grandchildren play in high school and college sporting events, and going for drives to the farm.
Surviving are son, Alex Clemens, Milwaukie, OR; daughter, Lorene (Jerry) Iverson, Jamestown, ND; brother Kenneth (Marlyn) Wegenke, Jamestown, ND; 11 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; and a special friend Hilda Reger of Eldridge, ND.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Ken; daughter, Renae; granddaughter, Shannah; brothers, Herman and Alfred, and sisters, Frena and Caroline.
The Funeral service will be at 10:30 AM Saturday October 15, 2005 in St. Johns Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND with Pastor Doug Opp, officiating.
Interment will be made in the Highland Home Cemetery, Jamestown, ND.
Arrangements are with the Haut Funeral Homes in Jamestown, ND.

Prayer Service: 7:00 PM Friday October 14, 2005
Visitation: 1-5 Thursday and 9-9 on Friday at the Funeral Home

Memorials may be sent to: Roseadele 1505 3rd St. SE Jamestown, ND 58401
Safe Shelter PO Box 1934 Jamestown, ND 58402
In Memory of Hilda Ahlers