Douglas J. ‘Mike’ Hitzeroth, age 92, of Helena

On the morning of January 10th, Mike passed away of natural causes at his home in Helena, Montana. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones.  Mike was 92 years old.

Mike was born in Elgin, Illinois on September 30, 1925.  He was the third of five sons born to Barbara Marie (Hemming) and Otto Franz Hitzeroth. He earned the nickname “Mike” at the age of four while helping his father at his worksite.  Most people never knew him by any name other than Mike. Mike grew up in rural Wayne, Illinois and attended high school in Elgin, Illinois.

At the age of 18 while in high school, he joined the Army Air Corps. He became a tail-gunner/waist-gunner in the 773rd Bomb Squadron during World War II.  His squadron was part of the 463rd Bomb Group stationed in Foggia, Italy.  He flew twenty-seven successful missions in a B-17 and was the youngest crew member of his group. He was an expert marksman, and was stationed in Italy for eight months.

He was honorably discharged in 1945, and decorated with an EAME ribbon with five bronze stars, a Good Conduct Medal, an Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters and a Purple Heart.

At the age of 20, he went back to high school and graduated in 1946. It was during this return to high school that he met Lois, the love of his life. On October 28, 1950 he married Lois Jean Katutis in West Chicago, IL. They lived in a brick house constructed by himself and his brothers on Western Ave in Geneva, IL. He lived in his home from 1961-2016. He was often seen zipping around the property on his lawnmower, mowing his grass.

Mike was a switchman at the Illinois Central RR in Chicago IL from 1949-1986. His grandchildren have fond memories of their Grandpa taking them for rides in a train engine, and hearing his caboose stories.

After his retirement in 1986, Mike and Lois traveled the world. Some of his favorite trips included trips to Asia, Australia, Europe, and ocean cruises. He enjoyed his yearly trips to Cancun often accompanied by family and friends. He was an active participant in numerous Hitzeroth family reunions in Germany, Canada, and the United States. He returned twice to Foggia, Italy with his bomb squadron. After his son’s family moved to Montana, he had many frequent trips “out west” to watch athletic competitions and visit grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mike and Lois were long time members of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Illinois. He is now resting in the arms of Jesus after a long and faithful life. He was a kind man with a great smile and a twinkle in his eye. He invested heavily in his family, and lived his life with generosity, character, and integrity. He truly was a man of the “greatest generation”.

Mike belonged to the American Legion. He spent many years on the Wagemman Oil bowling team in Wheaton, IL. He also participated in a WWII honor flight to Washington D.C.

After many years of persuasion, Mike and Lois moved to Helena, MT to be with their extended family. Mike could often be found teaching his great-grandchildren how to play Spider Solitaire on his iPad. He enjoyed telling stories about his childhood, growing up with 4 brothers, his time in the service, and his many travels around the world. Even in his 90’s, his memory regarding his time serving our country remained as sharp as when he was 18. Mike’s involvement in the lives of his family will be sorely missed.

Mike was preceded in death by his father Otto, mother Barbara Marie, brother Franklin and brother Roger as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.  He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lois (Katutis), son Bob (Donna), daughter Barbara, granddaughters Cheryl (Luke) Erdahl, Bethany (Mark) Brownlee, and grandson Jake (Mike) Hitzeroth.  He has eight great-grandchildren: Ben, Annie, Ellie, Grace and Baby Erdahl, and Brian, Nathan, and Tessa Brownlee. He is also survived by two brothers: Richard (Wanda) and Wes (Betty), and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A Viewing will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., followed by a Funeral Service at 10:00 a.m. at the Funeral Home. Burial with Military Honors will be held at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison after the funeral. A Reception will be held at the Ft. Harrison Service Club on Base immediately following the burial. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of Mike.

Service Schedule

Viewing

9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday January 16, 2018

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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Funeral Service

10:00 a.m.

Tuesday January 16, 2018

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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Burial with Military Honors

After the Funeral Service

Tuesday January 16, 2018

Montana State Veterans Cemetery

Heroe's Rd.

Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636

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Reception

After the Burial

Tuesday January 16, 2018

Ft. Harrison Service Club

On Base of Ft. Harrison

Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636

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