Willemina Elisabeth “Minnie” te Selle (1871-1919) was born on September 14, 1871, in Bredevoort, Netherlands, the daughter of Gerrit Jan te Selle (1841-1921) and Anna Jonker (1843-1908). In July 1873, shortly before her second birthday, Willemina came to the United States with her parents, along with Willemina’s older brother, Jan Albert te Selle (1869-1941). Gerrit Jan and his family were emigrating from the Netherlands to Lancaster County, Nebraska, to join Gerrit Jan’s brothers, Jan Hendrik te Selle (1838-1921) and Harmen Jan te Selle (1844-1919).
In 1890, Willemina married Gerrit Henry Hietbrink (1865-1944). During their marriage, Minnie and Gerrit had 12 children who survived to adulthood — 8 daughters and 4 sons:
- Berendina “Dena” Hietbrink (1891–1966) [Spouse: ]
- Anna “Annie” Hietbrink (1892–1971) [Spouse: ]
- William Hietbrink (1893-1981) [Spouse: ]
- Jane “Jennie” Hietbrink (1895-1949) [Spouse: ]
- Elizabeth “Lizzie” Hietbrink (1891-1971) [Spouse: ]
- John Hietbrink (1899-1974) [Spouse: ]
- Grace Hietbrink (1901-2002) [Spouse: ]
- Garret Hietbrink (1903-1991) [Spouse: ]
- Albert Hietbrink (1906-1984) [Spouse: ]
- Dillie Hietbrink (1909-1986) [Spouse: ]
- Mabel Hietbrink (1911-1985) [Spouse: ]
- Martha Hietbrink (1913-1974) [Spouse: ]