Selma Anna Hilpert

December 23, 1872 – January 5, 1965

Selma Anna Hilpert was born in Centralia, Washington, on December 23, 1872. Her father, David August Hilpert, was 45, and her mother, Magdalena, was 30.

Selma and Carl

On November 11, 1890, at age 17, Selma married Carl Pitzer. They had three children: Apolonia, known as Lona; Leonora; and Carl Jr. Lona was David and Magdalena Hilpert’s first grandchild.

In the family photographs from 1892, Selma holds young Lona alongside her parents, brothers, and sisters.

Carl Sr. died in Centralia on July 8, 1915, at age 47.

Later years

Selma married William J. Wagner on October 6, 1917. She died in Lewis, Washington, on January 5, 1965, at age 92, and was buried in her hometown.

In the family album

Explore the photographs and memories in The Lives of Otto and Milly.

Selma’s four album pages include portraits of her and Carl, a photograph of them together, and the story of their family.