Mildred Margaret (Hild) Grill

Mildred Margaret Grill (nee: Hild) passed away at St. Mary’s on April 10, 2010, after a long illness and battle with cardiovascular disease and other complications.

Born in Cibolo, Texas, Margaret (as she was known by most of her friends) was descended from early Texas settlers. She was the third child and only daughter of Margaret (nee: Peters) and Edwin Hild. She married André Joseph Grill, an artist from Racine who was serving in the Army Air Corps and stationed in Texas during WW II. In 1947 they moved to Paris where André resumed painting.  Margaret learned to speak French, and studied hat-making and ceramics. They lived in France and travelled widely in Europe until returning to Racine in 1952.  Margaret’s unique and striking beauty made her the artistic inspiration and subject of countless portraits and other works of art by her husband.

Margaret had a degree in accounting and marketing from Gateway Technical College and worked in various businesses in Racine for over forty-five years,  first as a travel agent, then a secretary at Oster Manufacturing Co., a bridal consultant at Lepp and Company, an executive secretary for L.L. Freeman Real Estate and Mortgage Banking, followed by office manager and accounting positions at Lang Engineering Co., C & D Duck company, and Ridgeway Manufacturing Co. 

She was a frequent visitor to New York City where her daughter Penelope lived. She loved to travel and even climbed the Great Wall in China when she was in her late 70s. She had a fine voice and was a member of the Sweet Adeline chorus of Racine for many years. After her retirement in 1998, she enjoyed winter months in Tucson, AZ.  Margaret had many friends and acquaintances in Racine and other parts of the country. She was a warm, cheerful and caring friend to all who knew her, active and fun-loving with a quick wit and a twist of Texas humor. 

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, André Joseph Grill in 1985; also by her parents, Maggie and Edwin Hild; three brothers, Raymond, Harold and Clarence (Buddy) Hild; and a sister-in-law, Elvira Hild.  She is survived by her only child, Penelope (Penny) Grill, who returned to Racine from New York City to care for her since 2006. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Marjorie Hild Kyler and Faye Hild; seven nephews and two nieces in Texas and a nephew in Nevada. She leaves behind many dear friends in Racine and other parts of the country.

Contributions honoring Margaret may be made to Lincoln Lutheran Adult Day Care Services of Racine. A celebration of Margaret’s life will be announced at a later date.

 MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888