Hildegard Gappa

Hildegard Marie (Lorsung) Gappa was born on July 30, 1911 and passed to new life on May 5, 2014 surrounded by family, friends, and St. John's staff. Hildegard was born in Millerville, MN, the daughter of Anthony and Anna (Kotschevar) Lorsung. Her father managed the General Store. At age 6, Hildegard lost her mother in the 1918 flu epidemic. Her loving grandmother helped to raise the six children. Hildegard had endless memories of her grandmother's cooking, sewing, and teaching her domestic skills. Hildegard attended Catholic schools in Millerville and went on to graduate from St. Benedict's Academy in St. Joseph, MN. Hildegard met Bill Gappa in Urbank, MN. After their marriage, they moved to Montana for work and health reasons. They lived in Circle, Baker, Miles City, Harlowton and moved to Billings in 1953. They were members of St. Patrick's and Holy Rosary Parishes through the years. Currently Hildegard was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. She was grateful for the pastoral and sacramental ministry provided by the parish and by St. John's pastoral staff. Hildegard worked in the business office of the Lumber Company and then many years at the St. Vincent Hospital laundry. Hildegard enjoyed crossword puzzles, music, walking, visiting with friends and loved the varied and fun activities and parties at St. John's. She lived at St. John's since 1992 and dearly loved her "home" there where she had countless friends, received so much kindness, understanding, love, and superb care. Her family extends deepest gratitude to all employees, volunteers and staff at St. John's for the wonderful love and care given Hildegard during her 23 years there! Hildegard was very proud of being an Associate of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. She supported the Community with prayers daily. Preceding her in death were her parents, her brothers (Monsignor Peter A. Lorsung, Matthias Lorsung, Jerome Lorsung, Bert Lorsung) and her twin sister, Marcella (Lorsung) Karsnia. Survivors include a daughter, Sister Mary Clare Gappa (Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth) and a son, Bob (Pam) Gappa (Tucson, AZ), grandsons James Gappa and Andrew Erskine, and three great-¬grandchildren. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Memorials in Hildegard's name may be made to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church or to St. John's Lutheran Ministries. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, May 10 at Dahl Funeral Chapel. On Sunday viewing will begin at 4:00 p.m., Rosary 6:30 p.m. and Vigil 7:00 p.m. at Dahl Chapel. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 12 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church. Committal will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com