Hildegard Kaigler

Hildegard Kaigler passed away Friday, April 11, 2025. She was 99 years young. She was born October 11, 1925 in Salzburg, Austria to Anton and Josephine Demmelmayer. After her schooling, she was involved in a 2 year work program on different farms, later she worked for a family, he was an American Officer and she was a British Canadian thru them she met Charles (Chuck) Kaigler. She then attended Hotel school. Hilda married the love of her life on April 3, 1952 in her hometown. Chuck's military career took them all over the world. Spending time in Chicago, Ft. Braggs, North Carolina, Tokyo, Hawaii, New York, Saigon, and Seattle, where Chuck retired as a Col. from the U.S. Army. They lived several years in Hawaii then finally settled in Rockport in 1974. Hilda had a career in bookkeeping and worked for many different companies.

In every place they lived Hilda found a place to swim and she and Chuck became avid bird watchers, eventually traveling the world to find every bird imaginable. Hilda was an fantastic cook, she loved swimming, birding, and just being in nature.

Hilda volunteered with several organizations, including the Aransas County Library, and the Rockport Garden Club, and Castaways, she also did fund raising for the EMS.

She had an amazing memory and with some prodding she would share stories of her childhood during World War II. Her life and resilience is a testimony to her tenacity and hard work. Hilda had a profound impact on those who knew her. She was always willing to share her knowledge of birds and nature with anyone who would listen and learn.

She leaves behind a multitude of grateful friends who will miss her dearly.

She is survived by step-daughter, Marcia Spence; and niece and nephew; and many many special friends all over the world.

A memorial gathering will be on Friday, April 18, 2025 from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home in Rockport, Texas.

Expressions of sympathy may be made by donations in her name to the Aransas Wildlife Refuge 361-349-1181

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/aransas/visit-us/locations/aransas-national-wildlife-refuge or to the Audubon Society at  https://audubon.org/conservation