Emma Amann

Emma Eva (Hildebrandt) Amann was born on February 28, 1931, in Mountain Lake, MN, to parents Emil and Lydia (Heffele) Hildebrandt, and passed away peacefully at Cottagewood Memory Care on September 21, 2025. Emma was named after both her German grandmas and her vocation followed in the nursing footsteps of her father's mother. As the eldest of nine children growing up during the Great Depression, Emma and her siblings learned early how to be resourceful, responsible and selfless. Though times were often tough, her childhood shaped her character of strength and compassion

Emma was baptized on August 23, 1931 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Mountain Lake, MN. Emma had a strong faith connection to her German heritage, attending German Sunday School and her German Confirmation in 1945. Into adulthood, Emma stayed rooted in her German Lutheran background and prayed nightly a German bedtime prayer that her father taught her as a little girl. A couple of the most cherished memories for both her children and grandchildren are bouncing on her lap while playfully singing a German story about a boy and his horse, and the warmth and joy as she gently touched their young faces naming each feature in German.

Emma graduated from Mountain Lake High School in 1949 and pursued a nursing degree at Saint Marys School of Nursing in Rochester, MN, graduating in 1952. Emma's nursing career impact included being the first lay nursing supervisor (previously only nuns held this position) at Saint Marys Hospital. Emma enjoyed many years of private duty nursing before continuing her career at the Mayo Clinic as a nursing supervisor in the Ear Nose and Throat Department. Emma was actively involved in the Saint Marys Alumni Association, faithfully attending their annual class reunion and reminiscing on their nurses' training and reminiscing on the positive influence of the Sisters of Saint Francis. She dedicated a remarkable 40 years of service to Saint Marys and Mayo Clinic, retiring in 1992.

Emma met her husband, Ben, of 67 years, on a blind date, engaged after one month, and married seven months later. They were united in marriage on September 29, 1957 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mountain Lake. A year later they started their family and Ben and Emma made their forever home in Rochester, MN, on Second Street Northwest, where they were blessed with three children; Mike, Bill & Kristi. Since the passing of her beloved husband a year ago, Emma carried a quiet longing to be reunited with him in heaven. After a year apart, she and Ben are now together just in time to celebrate their 68th wedding anniversary.

Emma was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN since 1949. Over the years, she was involved in Ladies Aid, Bible study groups, choir, funeral lunch committee, Ladies Lunch Out coordinator and assisted with the Shorewood homebound worship services. She found great joy in her role as a Sunday morning greeter at church, always offering a warm welcome to all who entered.

Emma will be remembered for her great resilience and incredible faith, her joy of her German heritage, her love of family and friends, and the companionship of many little dachshunds throughout her life. Her life pleasures included family gatherings, gardening, feeding and watching the birds and most of all, spending time with her grandchildren. She loved to cook (never in small quantities) and baked the best banana nut bread that she shared with many neighbors and friends. Emma was meticulous in staying connected to family and friends by sending cards, writing letters and phone conversations.

Emma passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate and dedicated staff at Cottagewood Senior Communities Memory Care and Mayo Hospice for the exceptional care and support provided to our mom these past five months.

Emma is survived by her children: Michael Amann of Rochester, MN, William (Mary) Amann of Kimball, MN and Kristine (William) Lindquist of Rochester, MN; grandchildren: Katy & Bob O'Fallon of Richmond, MN, Charlie Amann of Maple Grove, MN, Tim Lindquist and Emily Lindquist of Rochester, MN; great grandchildren: Mae, Edward, William and Bobby O'Fallon.

Siblings & siblings-in-law: Margareta & Walter Oeltjenbruns of Mountain Lake, MN, Kathleen Svalland of Butterfield, MN, Carolyn Chester of Windom, MN, Yvonne Hildebrandt of Mountain Lake, MN, Thomas & Marcia Amann of La Crosse, WI, and many nieces, nephews & other relatives.

Emma was preceded in death by her parents, Emil & Lydia Hildebrandt, as well as her dear husband, Ben, siblings & their spouses: Dorathea & Duane Olson, Leroy Hildebrandt, Jean & Wayne Hermanson, Duane Hildebrandt, Elwood Svalland, Robert Chester, Baby Diana Hildebrandt, nephew: Douglas Olson, siblings-in-law: Marge & Harold Dixon, Wayne & Linda Amann and many other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church (222 6th Ave S.W., Rochester, MN). A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church and a lunch will follow the service. An inurnment will be at Oakwood Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed at www.trinitylutheranchurch.org.

In leu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church Sharing and Caring fund, Rochester Central Lutheran School or Lutheran Hour Ministries.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Amann family.