Hilda Anna Brand was born on August 31, 1924, to Tebbo H and Etta (Janssen Eucken) Menken at their farm in Amboy Township, Cottonwood County, MN. She was baptized at an early age and was confirmed in the United Methodist Church at Jeffers, MN, by Reverend Paul Shannon. Hilda attended the Jeffers Public School, and her favorite subject was history. She took part in the girls' basketball team and was the captain of the "Go Getters" until she become ill in June 1939. Graduation from high school was delayed for two years due to numerous surgeries she endured related to a ruptured appendix, when she was just 15 years old. With many complications and additional surgeries, Hilda was required to study at home. Class lessons were brought home by her brother. She graduated from high school in 1944 and was able to attend the graduation ceremony. During her time at home, Hilda took a correspondence shorthand class from the University of Minnesota. After returning to good health in 1945, Hilda became the Deputy Clerk of Court for Cottonwood County in Windom, MN for five years until her marriage. On January 20, 1951, Hilda and John Brand were married. They made their home on a farm southwest of Jeffers, until moving in October 2018 to the Peterson Estates, a care center in Westbrook, MN. Hilda enjoyed crocheting, reading, gardening, flower and vegetable gardening, crossword puzzles, calligraphy, and compiling the Menken genealogy, as well as singing in the Red Rock Sweet Adeline group. She took time to help on the farm, mowing the lawn, feeding cats, and helping with livestock chores and farm work. Hilda was an active member of the Methodist Church in Jeffers, teaching Sunday school and Bible school and singing in the church choir. She held positions on the church board, attended annual conferences of the Methodist Church at Hamline University, held the office of SW District Area of Children's Work and Recording Secretary, and she attended the Summer School of Christian Mission at Hamline University during that tenure. She served as president of the local United Methodist District Women's group for many years. Hilda was a member of the Jeffers Civic Club and held offices, including president. In 1953, she joined the Order of the Eastern Star and received her 50-year pin. She held offices of Worthy Matron of Jeffers Chapter #295 and Windom Chapter #169 and attended Ransford Chapter #43 in Worthington. Having an appointment in the Grand Chapter OES, as the "Masonic Home Coach" fundraiser was the highlight of her career. Hilda attributed her long life to the Glory of God, staying active and thinking positive thoughts. Her mantra was, "It is your attitude, not your aptitude that determines your altitude." The way we handle trials that come to us determines the way God's grace is experienced in our lives. Hilda A Brand went to be with her heavenly Father in his heavenly home on Tuesday, February 15th at Peterson Estate in Westbrook, MN. Hilda is survived by her sisters, Elsie Vieregge and Anne (Donald) Roefer; as well as nieces and nephews. Hilda was preceded in death by her husband, John Brand (May 12, 2020); parents, Tebbo and Etta; brothers, John, Tebbo, Richard, Edwin and George; and two sisters, Elta (Mrs. William) Barker, and Esther (Mrs. Robert) Rasmussen. Blessed be the memory of Hilda Anna Brand.