Donald W. Hilger caught his horse and rode to the Pearly Gates and met up with family, neighbors & Friends on March 12, 2017
He was born February 27, 1932, in Helena, MT., to Earl & Grace (Lamb) Hilger. He joined two big brothers, Lewie and Bob. Don was an outstanding athlete, running track for Helena High in the high hurdles and high jump. He was the starting center for the 1950 Helena High School famous “Swish Kids”. On December 30, 1950, he married his high school sweetheart, Sara Brown of Wolf Creek, MT. At age 21 they borrowed money and bought the Circle 2 Ranch from her folks that Sara’s grandfather had homesteaded in 1883. They purchased additional properties in Lewis & Clark, Powell, and Beaverhead counties. They raised their family of 4 children right along with cattle, hay, horses. Their kitchen table was the center of the Dearborn Community. Don was known to share many a tall tales with guest and friends when they came to visit. His wit and humor are famous.
Don was involved with the High School Rodeo as District, State and National Director for many years and was the National President in 1977. That same organization also voted Don “High School Rodeo Man of the Year “in 1977. He was honored by being hauled out of the arena in a wheelbarrow at the National finals event. He competed in local rodeos in calf roping, team roping and would never turn down a bet to show everyone he had the fastest horse at the event. He served on the local school board for many years, was a local brand inspector for 35 years, served on the first livestock crime stoppers board and was a member of the Montana Stockgrowers Association.
After 50 years of ranching, health forced him to retire and move back to the Helena valley. Don & Sara became snowbirds and wintered in Arizona.
He is loved and survived by his sweetheart of 68 years, married 66 years, Sara, daughters Beth Noel (Butch Hoffman), Pam Mihelish (Bruce), son Don L. Hilger, grandchildren Kyler Noel, Quinn (Taryn) Noel, Aaron Mihelish, Brett Ueland (Matt), Drew Mihelish, Dallas Smith (Soda), Tia Hamilton (Reg), Mackenzie, Taylor & Sam Hilger. Great grandchildren Huck Noel, Ellie Ueland, soon to arrive Baby Hamilton & Baby Smith. Family, Verna Steinbach and Family, Sharon Johns and Family, Linda Ryan and Family.
He was preceded in death by his parent Earl & Grace, Brothers Lewis & Robert, son Tom, and son-in-law Daune Noel.
His wish is to have a gathering of family and friends, Thursday March 16, 2017 at Anderson, Stevenson Wilke Funeral home to celebrate his life.
Memorials to the Dearborn Cemetery or choice of your own. Please see below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Donald.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday March 16, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday March 16, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
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Judy and Pete Burggraff says
Sara, Beth, Pam and Donnie, just want to let you know that we are thinking of you all along with all of your grand kids. Wish we could be in Helena to give you all hugs this week. It just won’t be the same without Hilger. We have so many memories, all good, of our times spent together starting from when Verna and I came out to “clean and pickup” before you brought Pam home from the hospital. I recall you saying it took forever to find where we had stashed everything Memories of when we all managed to squeeze into the front of your jeep, including your dog, at the ranch in a snowstorm. Our visits together at Sierra Visa, Yuma, Mesa, and most of all at the ranch in Wolf Creek. These are all good memories that we will cherish.
Judy and Pete Burggraff says
We ill always remember the times with Don
Tom Brown says
Sarah, Beth, Pam, Donnie & Families of all. We are so sorry for your loss. Such memories of such a wonderful man: WHEN he asked Uncle Don to please pass the gravy and it was thrown to him the length of the branding table; Hilger not only caught the bowl but saved most of the Gravy! WHEN Beth fell down on the side-walk and was crying; he told her to come into the house and he would pick her up – which got her to smiling. WHEN all of the wild events at the family brandlings occurred. WHEN he tried to navigate a two rut rode filled with ice and snow that is located on top of two cliffs; and our vehicle slid down backwards (3) times before he got us over the top. WHEN he had the courage to heel for me before learning that my job wasn’t over when I got the steer turned. The memories go on and on…He was fiercely determined, loyal, and a great businessman, I don’t remember Don Hilger when he wasn’t positive, happy and laughing; he made the lives of everyone around him better.
Tom & Bev Brown
Londa Burns says
Beth and family. I am truly sorry for your loss. God bless all of you. Londa Burns
Candy Score says
Sarah, Beth, Pam, Donnie & Families of all, I am truly sorry for your loss and you are all in my prayers. Candy Score
Rick & Gail Kuntz says
Our thoughts & prayers are with you. We feel blessed to have known Don.
Karen Maybee33 says
Sarah, Beth, Pam, and Donnie I am so sorry for your loss and I will keep you in my prayers at this difficult time. We go way back in time practically birth as Don and Sarah and my parents Ralph and Myrtie were high school friends.
I know how wonderful you were when my Dad was sick and want you to know how much it meant to me that he had such wonderful friends. I know Ralph was waiting to welcome Don thru the Pearly Gates with open arms. Don was such a special man and I know he will be missed by so many.
John Ulberg says
Sara and Family (Large):
I remember the first time I met Don he came after me for shooting birds out in the field across the
highway. After he saw it was just me, we had a good laugh. After he left, my Dad said that he sure
was a good guy. Yep, he was, and I was fortunate to have spent good times with him and family.
God bless and keep you all,
John Ulberg
Char and Tom Draney says
Sara and Family
Don was an amazing man and will be missed by all . . .
Char and Tom Draney
Connie Cole says
Beth and Sara, David and I are sorry for your loss. Your family has been a foundation of the Wolf Creek community. We had wonderful times with Beth and Duane and will always have you in our hearts. Big hugs, Connie
Sheila and Don says
Sara and Family,
So sorry for your loss. Brett has shared so many wonderful stories about Don. He certainly was a family man! You are all so lucky to have such special memories to carry with you. Sorry we cannot come to the funeral, but please know you will be in our thoughts and prayers! With deepest Sympathy, Sheila and Don Ueland
Dee Barfknecht says
To the Hilger Family,
I was so sad to learn of Don’s passing… what a wonderful man. Heaven will be a lot more fun now with him there, but a huge void is left for your family. Wish I could be there on Thursday I would love to extend a hug to all….so happy that you have a million incredible memories, enjoy each and every one.
Love, Dee
Chip Rule says
Don was a true Gentleman and Cowboy… I had more respect for him, hiswork ethics and his ideals than nearly any man I have known. Thoughts and prayers to Don and the rest of the family.
Dorene Henry says
Dear Sara and family~ My heart is filled with love and admiration for the wonderful man Don Hilger was? I learned so many things from him! I’m so proud to say I was a friend. Felt like family….laughed like crazy, always will when i remember all the good times too? God bless you all?
Judith Williams says
My condolences to all the Hilger family. Don was an amazing cowboy, rancher, businessman and pillar of the Wolf Creek and Helena communities. I always admired his energy and courage to launch into new opportunities. J Williams, Wolf Creek neighbor
Sheri Brown says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of your family. Buster and I had many fond memories of Don over the years. Fighting grass fires on Horse Prairie and helping out on the ranch. Don and Sara stood up for us at our wedding and considered them good friends.
Mary bloms says
I Love you Sarah and Don. I know Sarahow you will miss him. I do know that the strength of your love together
Will strengthen you forward and shine through you..Your love and faithfulness together lives on thru you Sara for us
To continue to be blesssed by thru you. Thank you. Your are in my prayers for peace and strength and support, which you have always shared to all whom you meet. Rest in the love of the lord and his internal strength.