Hildred Elaine Piel passed away peacefully on Jan. 21, 2022, at the age of 98 at her residence in Kirkland, Washington, with her family by her side.
Born on July 21, 1923, to Desoto and Lenore Paul on a farm near Elm Creek, Nebraska, she graduated from Kearney High School in 1941.
Before meeting and marrying her husband of 56 years, Earl Piel, she worked in the secretarial field and secured a position working for the Director of the National Youth Administration. She married Earl in September 1943.
Hildred followed Earl to Seattle, Washington, where she worked for the Office of Defense Transportation and Boeing during World War II. She and Earl were prominently pictured in Life Magazine and the Seattle Times with the 5000th Boeing B-17 bomber (5-Grand). She later worked for Northwest Airlines and then returned to Boeing in the space division. She was honored to be part of the first Lunar Orbiter and Lunar Rover projects. She retired from Boeing after 26 great years.
Hildred and Earl were active members in many community organizations, including the McMicken Heights Community Club, the East Hill Community Organization in Kent, and the Everett Trailer Club. Hildred was a devoted member of the Marysville Free Methodist Church. She was passionate about genealogy and self-published two books about her and Earl’s families.
Earl and Hildred embraced their shared life in the Pacific Northwest and all it had to offer, but they never forgot their family and friends in Nebraska. They enjoyed traveling and visiting nearly all 50 states, as well as international destinations. Fishing, camping and hiking were frequent activities.
Hildred is survived by her son, Kenneth (Sharon); her granddaughter, Jennifer (Frank); and sister, Bethene (Herb). She also leaves numerous very special nieces, nephews, and friends.
Hildred was proceeded in death by her beloved husband, Earl; her parents, Desota and Lenore; her brother, William (Evelyn); her sister Beulah (Jack); and her precious grandson, Jonathan.
In honor of Hildred’s life, a private service has been scheduled for family at Acacia Memorial Park. Website is: https:// www.dignitymemorial.com/ obituaries/seattle-wa/hildredpiel-10545418.
Remembrances can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.