Priscilla and her husband, Ernest “Bud” Hilgemann, moved to Elgin and bought a home in 1961. As she approaches her 100th birthday on Nov. 17, Priscilla still resides in the same home, which is decorated with the many colorful quilts (such as the one hanging behind her) that she, an avid quilter, made over the years.
Hundreds of memories for Elgin centenarian
Megan Molseed
Contributing Writer
For many, living in the same home for 56 years means they have spent their lives in the same spot. But for Priscilla (Anton) Hilgemann, those 56 years represent about half of her life’s adventures as the Elgin resident gets ready to join the centenarian club when she celebrates her 100th birthday on Friday, Nov. 17.
“It’s a good life,” reflected Priscilla, looking around her Elgin home that she shares with her oldest daughter, Karen. “Family is what’s important. I’m very well taken care of!”
Born Nov. 17, 1917, the 99-year-old grandmother has seen her share of life events. Born in the throws of the World War I, Priscilla lived in South Dakota for much of her childhood, as her family joined the many others homesteading the harsh terrain of the Great Plains.
From Mobridge, to Aberdeen to Bath, S.D., where Priscilla attended most of her school years, Priscilla said her time in the “Mount Rushmore State” is full of great memories, but she likes to consider Iowa her home.
“Iowa is better,” Priscilla said with a chuckle. “The weather is a little bit nicer here.”
After graduating from high school in Bath, Priscilla attended Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen, S.D., and then went on to teach at a country school shortly after graduation. After two years there, Priscilla moved on to another teaching opportunity in Leola, S.D., where she met her husband, Ernest “Bud” Hilgemann Jr., who was working as a banker at the same bank his future wife frequented.
