Annabelle Hinders

**Annabelle “Annie” Hinders (Niemela), age 82, of Sebeka, MN,** passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 12, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Annie was born on December 23, 1941, to Wilma Mary (Mattson) Niemela and Arnold Leopold Niemela. She graduated from Sebeka High School, Class of 1960. She spent her life grounded in faith, family, and hard work, remaining a devoted member of the Sebeka United Methodist Church throughout her years. 

 Annie met the love of her life, Louis “Louie” Hinders, through her brother Paul, who invited Louie to play cards at the Niemela house. They were united in marriage on April 18, 1964 and started a life that revolved around their family, their faith, and their farm. Together, Annie and Louie built their family home and actively farmed for 40 years, side by side. Louie ran the tractor and baler, while Annie—always wearing her cowboy boots—worked with their four daughters, unloading and stacking hay. Annie took care of feeding the calves, and Louie handled the milking. Their partnership in life and work was a testament to their unwavering commitment to one another. Wherever Louie went, Annie was sure to be close by, their bond was unbreakable. 

 Annie was a woman of many talents and joys. Whether it was baking with her daughters and grandchildren or tending to her garden. Her home was always a welcoming place, with homemade cookies, bars, or pie waiting for any guest who stopped by. Saturdays she made bread and caramel rolls. Sundays were spent at the Crow Wing River with her family, dear friends Sandy and Gene Putzke and other neighbors, a tradition that is cherished by her daughters. 

 Annie and Louie retired in 2000 and embraced the freedom of adventure, traveling wherever and whenever they pleased. Their grandchildren fondly said they were out "clubbing" in their retirement years, a reflection of the fun-loving spirit Annie, aka Farmer Grandma or Granny Annie, carried with her through life, she found beauty in every moment. Going to auction sales with Darwin and Kathy, square dancing with the Wadena Whirlaways, playing Pinochle or Whist with friends like Ronnie and Norma or Dave and Cindy, puzzles with her dear friend Ethel, and early morning coffee outings were some of her favorite pastimes. 

 Annie’s devotion to her family was evident in everything she did. She was the proud grandmother of 9 grandchildren: Ashley (Marty), Austin (April), Autumn, Kaitlin, Irelynd (Adam), Ryley, Skyler, Renae and Daphney; 5 great-grandchildren: Hadley, Ashton, Aubrey, Allie, and Alex. She never missed a single event for her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

  She leaves behind her daughters Carol (Kevin) Ricke of Badger, MN; Karen (Gary) Booen of St. Cloud, MN; Lois (Alan) Rathcke of Sebeka, MN; and Bonnie (Scott) Kremers of St. Cloud, MN; her brother Paul (June) Niemela of St. Cloud, MN and sister Esther Biksen, as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Louie; her parents, Arnold and Wilma; her sister, Edie; and her brother, Kenneth. 

 Annie’s warmth, generosity, and unwavering love will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and love that will live on through her family and friends.