Hildegarde Ruth (Vetter) Mazanec, age 82, of Manitowoc, passed away Tuesday evening, December 6, 2016 at River's Bend Health & Rehabilitation Center, Manitowoc after a short battle with cancer. The former Hildegarde Ruth Vetter was born on January 1, 1934 in the town of Cato, daughter of the late Henry and Ruth (Madson) Vetter. Hilde grew up in the Town of Manitowoc Rapids and graduated with the class of 1952 from Manitowoc Lincoln High School. After high school, Hilde worked for Mirro Aluminum Company in Manitowoc. On March 10, 1956, she married George Mazanec in Manitowoc. They were happily married for over 60 years. She was a member of First Lutheran Church, Manitowoc for over 61 years, and enjoyed many years working with other ladies of the church making quilts for those in need locally and around the world. Hilde enjoyed cooking, gardening, spending time with her family and watching the birds and squirrels play outside her kitchen window. She is survived by her husband: George Mazanec, Manitowoc; four children: Jeff (Debbi) Mazanec, Appleton; Debbie Leoni, Jackson, MO; Bob Mazanec, Manitowoc; Pat Mazanec, Belvidere, IL; nine grandchildren: Major Paul Leoni, St. Louis, MO; Nathan (Taylor) Leoni, Jackson, MO; Carrie (Travis) Steffens, Perryville, MO; Anna Taylor, Chicago, IL; Alex Taylor, Belvidere, IL; Heather (Hugo) Gonzalez, Rockford, IL; J.R. Taylor, Belvidere, IL; Caitlin Mazanec (special friend Mike Seeliger), Neenah; Jason Mazanec, Appleton; two great-grandchildren: Rylann and Reagan Leoni, Jackson, MO; one sister: Sophie Vetter, Manitowoc, two sisters-in-law: Gladyce Ruzek, AZ; Gladys Mazanec, Manitowoc, several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents: Henry and Ruth Vetter; one brother-in-law: Joe Mazanec. A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 12, 2016 at First Lutheran Church Chapel, 521 North 8th Street, Manitowoc. Lay Minister and Parish Nurse Ann Unertl will officiate with burial of her cremated remains to follow at Knollwood Memorial Gardens. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. After the service, there is to be a light lunch in Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the First Lutheran Church Quilting Fund, 521 North 8th Street, Manitowoc, WI 54220. The Jens Family Funeral Home & Crematory of Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.jensreinboldandpfeffer.com Hilde's family wishes to express its heartfelt appreciation to the care and nursing staff of Holy Family Hospital, Manitowoc, St. Vincent's Hospital, Green Bay and Rivers Bend Health and Rehab Center in Manitowoc and Holy Family Memorial Hospice, Manitowoc. Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter Dec. 9, 2016